UN 3285 — Vanadium compound, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3285 is Vanadium compound, n.o.s., a broad toxic vanadium compound entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Dust, solubility and valence state require SDS review.
Hazard overview: TOXIC vanadium compound, n.o.s.; inhalation of dust or aerosols may cause severe respiratory irritation or systemic injury. Skin or eye contact may cause irritation or burns depending on compound and concentration. Combustibility and oxidizing behavior vary by exact vanadium compound.
Response guidance: For UN 3285, 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 3285 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Vanadium compound, 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: Vanadium compound, 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 3285 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3285
- TOXIC vanadium compound, n.o.s.; inhalation of dust or aerosols may cause severe respiratory irritation or systemic injury.
- Skin or eye contact may cause irritation or burns depending on compound and concentration.
- Combustibility and oxidizing behavior vary by exact vanadium compound.
- Fire may produce toxic vanadium oxide fumes and irritating smoke.
- Runoff may carry toxic metal contamination and harm waterways.
- Dust can contaminate PPE, tools and cleanup equipment.
- Exact valence state, solubility and physical form must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies widely depending on specific compound; may appear as colored powders, crystals, or solutions ranging from green to orange to black. Most are odorless solids at room temperature.
| Also known as | Vanadium compoundsVanadium saltsVanadium-containing substances |
| Appearance | Varies widely depending on specific compound; may appear as colored powders, crystals, or solutions ranging from green to orange to black. Most are odorless solids at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (typically inorganic solids) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (compound-specific, many decompose before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid compounds) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no violent reaction, but some vanadium compounds may dissolve or react slowly with water forming toxic solutions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3285
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 3285 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 3285 — Vanadium compound, 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.