Placard with UN3494 number (sour crude oil), 10-3/4 in X 10-3/4 in, for the transportation of dangerous goods

UN3494 placard for sour crude oil, class 3, 10-3/4 in X 10-3/4 in

This item is not kept in stock. Please allow 5 days for delivery.

The UN3494 placard identifies a load of petroleum sour crude oil, flammable and toxic, class 3 with subsidiary class 6.1, on tank trucks and rail cars linking production sites to processing facilities. It shows the number 3494 in black in its white box, the flame symbol and the class number 3, on a red 10-3/4 X 10-3/4 in diamond that fits most placard holders. Made in Canada, it is sold individually.

Features of the pre-printed UN3494 placard

• UN3494 number pre-printed with the flame symbol and the class number 3: no digits to apply yourself.
• 10-3/4 X 10-3/4 in diamond, the standard size that fits most placard holders.
• High-contrast printing, legible from a distance.
• Three materials: low-cost cardboard, reusable rigid plastic or permanent self-adhesive vinyl.
• Designed, according to the manufacturer, for the Canadian TDG Regulations, the US DOT and the IMDG, IATA and ICAO codes: convenient for cross-border transport.

Available formats: cardboard, rigid plastic or self-adhesive vinyl

Aluminum placard available on request: contact customer service for a quote.

Sour crude oil in transport and storage: what to do in case of a spill

UN number 3494 corresponds to the shipping name PETROLEUM SOUR CRUDE OIL, FLAMMABLE, TOXIC, class 3 with subsidiary class 6.1, packing group I, II or III depending on the product. It is a crude oil that also meets the toxicity criteria, notably because of the hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) it contains. Transport Canada's 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) places it under guide 131, for toxic flammable liquids: it combines a fire and explosion hazard with a toxic hazard that can be fatal by inhalation or contact.

In case of a spill during transport or in your storage area, guide 131 calls for dialing 911, then the emergency number on the shipping document, and isolating at least 50 m around the leak. UN3494 is highlighted in green in the ERG: for a leak without fire, Table 1 calls for a small spill (208 L or less) an initial isolation of 30 m and downwind protection of 100 m by day and 200 m by night; for a large spill, 60 m of isolation and 500 m by day, 800 m by night downwind. Eliminate all ignition sources, ground the handling equipment, do not touch the product and, if you can do it without risk, stop the leak. Keep the oil out of waterways, sewers, basements and confined areas. For a small spill, absorb with earth, sand or another non-combustible material and transfer with clean non-sparking tools; for a large spill, dike far ahead of the liquid.

Keep a mineral absorbent (ABGMM225) in the vehicle and near the storage area to cover the liquid, along with chemical socks (ABCB30) and pads (ABCT100) to contain the flow; check their compatibility with the product's safety data sheet.

Fire safety for sour crude oil: which extinguisher to keep in the vehicle and at the warehouse

For a small fire, guide 131 names dry chemical and CO₂ among the extinguishing agents: an ABC dry chemical (EXABC10) extinguisher or a CO₂ (EXCO10) unit is therefore the right choice. Place it in the vehicle cab and at an accessible spot near the storage area, outside the hazard zone. A large fire is a job for firefighters. If a tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, the guide calls for isolating 800 m in all directions and considering an initial evacuation over the same distance.

These guidelines from the 2024 ERG help you prepare your transport and storage procedures. For the exact product and the real situation, the current safety data sheet and the ERG prevail; emergency measures are for trained and equipped personnel, with a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), as the guide specifies.

UN3494 placard applications

The UN3494 placard is intended for oil producers, crude oil tank truck carriers and TDG compliance officers at sites shipping sour crude. Cardboard is handy for a one-time load, rigid plastic is reused from one trip to the next, and self-adhesive vinyl stays in place on a tank dedicated to this crude.

Complete your display with an aluminum flip chart placard, with five (ECLAP5) legends including class 3, or fourteen (ECLAP14) legends, for trucks whose cargo changes; the class 3 placard with a blank (ECLA3UN) UN box, to write in a number yourself; the class 3 flammable liquid placard (ECLA3); class 6.1 labels (ERCLASSE6) to show the toxic hazard on packages; and the yellow and black warning tape (ECT751JN108) to mark off the storage area.

UN3494 placard technical specifications

Placard installation and care

Apply the self-adhesive vinyl to a clean, dry surface. Keep the placard clean so the number stays legible, and replace it if it is damaged, faded or illegible. For a placard exposed to the weather for a long time, choose rigid plastic or vinyl over cardboard.

FAQ: UN3494 placard and sour crude oil transport

Which material should I choose for the UN3494 placard: cardboard, plastic or vinyl?

Cardboard is the low-cost option for temporary use. Rigid plastic is weatherproof and reusable. Self-adhesive vinyl suits permanent application on a tank or trailer.

Do absorbents protect against hydrogen sulphide?

No. Absorbents collect the liquid but do not capture H₂S. The atmosphere must first be controlled by trained personnel wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus.

What safety perimeter is needed for a spill of the sour crude?

UN3494 is listed in Table 1 of the 2024 ERG: small spill, 30 m of isolation and 100 m by day, 200 m by night downwind; large spill, 60 m of isolation and 500 m by day, 800 m by night. If a tank is on fire, isolate 800 m in all directions.

Which extinguisher should I keep in a vehicle carrying the sour crude?

For a small fire, an ABC or BC dry chemical extinguisher, or a CO₂ extinguisher. A large fire is a job for firefighters: move away and dial 911.

Does the UN3494 placard fit in a placard holder?

Yes. Its 10-3/4 X 10-3/4 in format is the standard size that fits most placard holders.

Suggestions for transport and storage of sour crude oil

For the driver or handler who deals with the sour crude at loading, delivery or in the warehouse, plan for Centurion splash goggles (YG454), a 6000 series full face respirator (R6800) with organic vapour/P100 cartridges (R60921), only for contaminants and concentrations covered by their approval following an exposure assessment; these cartridges do not protect against hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and are not suitable for unknown concentrations or atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health. For other routine handling equipment, provide 18 in nitrile gloves (GL37185), waterproof PVC steel toe boots (VC18821C) and a flame-resistant high-visibility vest (VV510FR) to stay visible on the road and at the loading station.

To contain and respond to a spill, keep sheets (ABCT100) and snakes (ABCB30) for corrosive or hazardous chemicals close at hand, a universal mini spill kit for truckers (ABUV) in a resealable bag, to keep in the truck, Magic Monkey mineral granules (ABGMM225), a 10 lb ABC dry chem (EXABC10) extinguisher or a 10 lb dioxide (EXCO10) unit, and 28 in traffic cones (EPTCONE28B) to mark off the perimeter. For a driver working in isolation: the type 1 personal (TR01) first aid kit suits an isolated worker with no access to another kit, a vehicle with 1 to 5 workers, or a vehicle with more than 5 workers less than 30 minutes from medical services; for a vehicle with more than 5 workers more than 30 minutes from medical services, provide the type 2 basic (TR02M) first aid kit. Complete the truck's equipment with a portable road safety kit (TR16) and the set of three removable reflectors (EPTR) to signal a stopped vehicle.

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