UN 3334 — Self-defense spray, nonpressurized
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3334 is Self-defense spray, nonpressurized, a Class 9 nonpressurized irritant spray assigned to ERG Guide 171. Leakage, irritant exposure and contaminated packaging are key concerns.
Hazard overview: Class 9 nonpressurized irritant spray; contents can cause intense eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Leaks can contaminate packaging, vehicles or enclosed spaces with capsaicinoid or related irritant residue. Some formulations may contain combustible solvents even when the article is nonpressurized.
Response guidance: For UN 3334, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact controls with SDS and ERG 171.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3334 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, exposure control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/shipping paper review. Use ERG 171, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Self-defense spray, nonpressurized 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: Self-defense spray, nonpressurized should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers or packages with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3334 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3334
- Class 9 nonpressurized irritant spray; contents can cause intense eye, skin and respiratory irritation.
- Leaks can contaminate packaging, vehicles or enclosed spaces with capsaicinoid or related irritant residue.
- Some formulations may contain combustible solvents even when the article is nonpressurized.
- Heating may rupture containers or increase vapor/aerosol release.
- Fire may produce irritating organic smoke from solvent, resin, packaging and active irritant.
- Runoff may spread irritant contamination.
- Do not assume unrelated asbestos, capacitor or polymeric-bead hazards unless present in shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Liquid aerosol product containing capsaicin or related irritants, typically orange to reddish-brown in color with a pungent odor, liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | pepper sprayOC sprayoleoresin capsicum spraymacepersonal defense spray |
| Appearance | Liquid aerosol product containing capsaicin or related irritants, typically orange to reddish-brown in color with a pungent odor, liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically >93C (>200F) for oleoresin capsicum solutions |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (mixture with varying components) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (non-volatile liquid mixture) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3334
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3334 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, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, cylinders, packages or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff, residue and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 171, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3334 — Self-defense spray, nonpressurizedUse 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.