UN 3332 — Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 164. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3332 At a Glance
UN 3332 (Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or…) is listed as DOT Class 7 Radioactive and is assigned to ERG Guide 164. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3332 is Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted, a Type A special form radioactive package assigned to ERG Guide 164. Package damage and radiation survey drive response.
Hazard overview: RADIOACTIVE Type A special form package; undamaged packages normally present low risk to responders and the public. Special form material is usually sealed or non-dispersible, but damaged packages can increase external radiation exposure. Contamination and internal uptake are less likely than for dispersible contents, but package damage must be surveyed.
Response guidance: For UN 3332, protect life safety first, isolate damaged packages and notify radiation authority. Limit handling, control runoff/debris and use monitoring with ERG 164.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3332 should emphasize package recognition, radiation authority notification, dosimetry/survey use, contamination control, time-distance-shielding and life-safety priority. Use ERG 164 and radiation SOP.
Regulatory context: Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted should remain in approved radioactive material packages protected from damage, fire, unauthorized access and contamination spread. Follow radiation authority, carrier and package-certificate requirements.
UN 3332 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3332
- RADIOACTIVE Type A special form package; undamaged packages normally present low risk to responders and the public.
- Special form material is usually sealed or non-dispersible, but damaged packages can increase external radiation exposure.
- Contamination and internal uptake are less likely than for dispersible contents, but package damage must be surveyed.
- Radiation levels may vary with label category and package orientation after an incident.
- Fire may damage packaging and create smoke, debris or runoff requiring radiation authority review.
- Do not delay lifesaving actions solely because of the radioactive label.
- Final cleanup should follow radiation authority instructions.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Sealed package containing radioactive material in special form (non-dispersible solid or sealed capsule). Package integrity prevents release under normal transport conditions.
| Also known as | Type A special form radioactive packageNon-fissile radioactive material Type AFissile-excepted Type A packageRAM Type A special form |
| Appearance | Sealed package containing radioactive material in special form (non-dispersible solid or sealed capsule). Package integrity prevents release under normal transport conditions. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (radioactive material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sealed package) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (sealed package) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction (sealed package) |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3332
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use PPE for the dominant hazard plus dosimetry and radiation monitoring. For fire, use SCBA and turnout gear; minimize time, maximize distance and use shielding.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3332 Incident
- Call 911 and notify the radiation authority according to local procedures.
- Protect life safety first while minimizing time near damaged packages.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of smoke, runoff or damaged contents.
- Do not handle damaged packages or loose contents without proper training and radiation monitoring.
- Detain potentially contaminated people or equipment for assessment without delaying urgent medical care.
- Use ERG Guide 164, package labels, shipping papers and radiation monitoring to guide isolation, evacuation and cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3332 — Radioactive material, Type A package, spUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.