☣️ UN 3181 • CLASS 4
UN 3181 — Metal salts of organic compounds, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. 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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UN 3181 Quick Details
UN 3181
Product name: Metal salts of organic compounds, flammable, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 133 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 133: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Common Hazards of UN 3181
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
- Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence.
- Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Metallic salts of organic compoundsFlammable metal organic saltsOrganometallic salts (flammable)Metal organic compound salts |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically solid powders or crystals ranging from white to colored materials. May be odorless or have slight organic odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid material, ignition temperature varies by specific compound) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Variable depending on specific metal salt; some may react or decompose in water releasing flammable vapors |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3181
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, sand, dry earth; avoid water spray if water-reactive
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum with full face respirator; upgrade to Level B with SCBA if fire conditions or confined space; chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing required
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 133: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 133).
First Actions for a UN 3181 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3181 — Metal salts of organic compounds, flammaHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3181
Product: Metal salts of organic compounds, flammable, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 133
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; upgrade to Level B with SCBA if fire conditions or confined space; chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing required
ISOLATION: ERG 133: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
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 3181 — Metal salts of organic compounds, flammable, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 133
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically solid powders or crystals ranging from white to colored materials. May be odorless or have slight organic odor.
Water Reactivity: Variable depending on specific metal salt; some may react or decompose in water releasing flammable vapors
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, dry earth; avoid water spray if water-reactive
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; upgrade to Level B with SCBA if fire conditions or confined space; chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing required
Isolation: ERG 133: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
• Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— 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.
• Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3181 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3181 Metal salts of organic compounds, flammable, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG133 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3181SMS / 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/3181
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3181
Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence. Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
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 C minimum with full face respirator; upgrade to Level B with SCBA if fire conditions or confined space; chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing required
Water reactivity: Variable depending on specific metal salt; some may react or decompose in water releasing flammable vapors. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, dry earth; avoid water spray if water-reactive.
ERG Guide 133 recommendation: ERG 133: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 133 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.