UN 3172 — Toxins, extracted from living sources, liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3172 At a Glance
UN 3172 (Toxins, extracted from living sources, liquid) is listed as DOT Class 6 Toxic and is assigned to ERG Guide 152. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
Toxins, extracted from living sources, liquid, n.o.s. covers a broad liquid toxin entry, so the exact biological source and carrier must be confirmed from shipping papers and SDS.
Hazard overview: This entry presents severe toxic exposure risk. The specific toxin controls routes of exposure, medical treatment and decontamination.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, avoid contact and aerosol generation, contain runoff, and use SDS/ERG information before committing personnel.
Firefighter training notes: Use this page as initial reference only; responders should train from ERG, SDS, department SOPs and product-specific preplans.
Regulatory context: UN 3172 is regulated for transport under its proper shipping name, hazard class 6 and ERG Guide 152. Verify current DOT/PHMSA requirements and shipping papers.
Storage & handling: Store only as permitted by the SDS and applicable code: segregate from incompatible materials, protect packages from heat, damage and moisture, and maintain labels.
UN 3172 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3172
- Highly toxic liquid; exposure may be fatal by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption.
- Exact toxin and carrier are not specified; toxicity, persistence and decontamination needs vary by product.
- Aerosols, splashes or contaminated runoff can create secondary exposure risks.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic decomposition products from the carrier or packaging.
- Containers may fail when heated, releasing concentrated toxic liquid.
- Avoid all direct skin and eye contact; do not rely on odor as a warning property.
- Medical treatment and antidote decisions require the exact toxin identity from SDS or shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Liquid appearance varies by toxin preparation and carrier; do not assume color, odor or viscosity identifies the product.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3172
PPE Requirements
SCBA and chemical protective clothing are required; use Level A when vapor, aerosol or splash hazard is uncertain.
First Actions for a UN 3172 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or gases may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, smoke or decomposition products.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Prevent runoff from entering drains, soil or waterways until the toxin and carrier are identified.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and atmospheric monitoring supports entry.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, labels and shipping papers to confirm the exact hazards before action.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3172 — Toxins, extracted from living sources, lUse 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.