☣️ UN 1288 • CLASS 3
Shale oil
Placard: Flammable. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 1288
Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG: Guide 128 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 128: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 300m downwind
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Crude shale oilOil shale distillateRetort oilShale naphthaKerogen oil |
| CAS Number | 68308-34-9 |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black viscous liquid with a strong petroleum-like or sulfurous odor. Oily consistency at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -18C (0F) to 23C (73F) depending on fraction |
| Boiling Point | 175C to 400C (347F to 752F) wide distillation range |
| Vapor Density | 3-4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; floats on water and may spread fire |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant suit for spills; avoid skin contact due to carcinogenic compounds |
| Isolation | ERG 128: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 300m downwind |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 1288 — Shale oil HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1288
Product: Shale oil
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 128
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant suit for spills; avoid skin contact due to carcinogenic compounds
ISOLATION: ERG 128: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 300m downwind
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1288 — Shale oil
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 128
Appearance: Dark brown to black viscous liquid with a strong petroleum-like or sulfurous odor. Oily consistency at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; floats on water and may spread fire
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant suit for spills; avoid skin contact due to carcinogenic compounds
Isolation: ERG 128: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 300m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1288 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1288 Shale oil Cls3 ERG128 | ERG 128: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider initial eva | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1288SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1288
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FAQ
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant suit for spills; avoid skin contact due to carcinogenic compounds
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 128 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.