UN 3283 — Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3283 is Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s., a broad toxic selenium solid entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Dust and selenium-contaminated runoff are key concerns.
Hazard overview: TOXIC selenium compound solid, n.o.s.; inhalation of dust, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury. Dust can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff. Combustibility varies; heating or fire may produce toxic selenium oxide fumes.
Response guidance: For UN 3283, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact controls with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3283 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3283 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3283
- TOXIC selenium compound solid, n.o.s.; inhalation of dust, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury.
- Dust can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
- Combustibility varies; heating or fire may produce toxic selenium oxide fumes.
- Some selenium compounds may be soluble or environmentally persistent.
- Runoff may carry toxic selenium contamination and harm waterways.
- Avoid dust generation and all unprotected contact.
- Exact selenium compound and solubility must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies by specific compound; typically gray to black or reddish powders or crystalline solids at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight odor depending on compound.
| Also known as | Selenium compoundsOrganoselenium compoundsSelenium derivativesSelenium salts |
| Appearance | Varies by specific compound; typically gray to black or reddish powders or crystalline solids at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight odor depending on compound. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid, though may burn in fire) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes or sublimes at elevated temperatures) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable with water, though some selenium compounds may hydrolyze slowly in moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3283
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, smoke or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3283 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3283 — Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.Use 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.