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 At a Glance
UN 3283 (Selenium compound, solid) is listed as DOT Class 6 Toxic and is assigned to ERG Guide 151. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
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.