☣️ UN 3071 • CLASS 6
Mercaptan mixture, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. 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 3071
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions; consider evacuation downwind
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Mercaptan blendThiol mixtureOrganic sulfur compound mixtureFlammable poisonous mercaptan solution |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with an extremely strong, offensive, putrid odor resembling rotten cabbage or garlic. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by composition, typically below 23C (73F) for flammable mercaptans |
| Boiling Point | Varies by composition, typically 35-150C (95-302F) depending on specific mercaptan components |
| Vapor Density | 2-4 (heavier than air), vapors will accumulate in low-lying areas |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble or slightly soluble; releases toxic vapors |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves; severe skin and respiratory hazard |
| Isolation | ERG 131: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions; consider evacuation downwind |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
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.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 3071 — Mercaptan mixture, liquid, poisonous, fl HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3071
Product: Mercaptan mixture, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves; severe skin and respiratory hazard
ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions; consider evacuation 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 3071 — Mercaptan mixture, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid with an extremely strong, offensive, putrid odor resembling rotten cabbage or garlic. Liquid at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but insoluble or slightly soluble; releases toxic vapors
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves; severe skin and respiratory hazard
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions; consider evacuation downwind
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
— 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/3071 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3071 Mercaptan mixture, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3071SMS / 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/3071
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FAQ
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
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 required; full chemical-resistant suit; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves; severe skin and respiratory hazard
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 131 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.