☣️ UN 3188 • CLASS 4
UN 3188 — Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 136. 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 3188 Quick Details
UN 3188
Product name: Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 136 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 136: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind for large spill; if involved in fire isolate 800m
Common Hazards of UN 3188
- Extremely flammable; will ignite itself if exposed to air.
- Burns rapidly, releasing dense, white, irritating fumes.
- Substance may be transported in a molten form.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; ingestion of substance or inhalation of decomposition products will cause
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Self-heating liquid corrosive inorganic NOSSpontaneously combustible liquid corrosive inorganicPyrophoric liquid corrosive inorganic |
| Appearance | Variable depending on specific substance; typically a corrosive inorganic liquid that may spontaneously ignite when exposed to air. May be colorless to dark colored with acrid or irritating odors. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-heating/pyrophoric material) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific chemical identity |
| Vapor Density | Variable; typically heavier than air |
| Water Reactivity | May react violently with water producing heat, corrosive fumes, and potentially flammable gases |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3188
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash; DO NOT use water, foam, or CO2
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required for spill response; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 136: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind for large spill; if involved in fire isolate 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 136).
First Actions for a UN 3188 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3188 — Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganiHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3188
Product: Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 136
PPE: Level A required for spill response; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
ISOLATION: ERG 136: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind for large spill; if involved in fire isolate 800m
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 3188 — Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 136
Appearance: Variable depending on specific substance; typically a corrosive inorganic liquid that may spontaneously ignite when exposed to air. May be colorless to dark colored with acrid or irritating odors.
Water Reactivity: May react violently with water producing heat, corrosive fumes, and potentially flammable gases
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash; DO NOT use water, foam, or CO2
PPE: Level A required for spill response; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
Isolation: ERG 136: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind for large spill; if involved in fire isolate 800m
— Key Hazards —
• Extremely flammable; will ignite itself if exposed to air.
• Burns rapidly, releasing dense, white, irritating fumes.
• Substance may be transported in a molten form.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3188 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3188 Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG136 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3188SMS / 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/3188
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3188
Extremely flammable; will ignite itself if exposed to air. Burns rapidly, releasing dense, white, irritating fumes. Substance may be transported in a molten form. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; ingestion of substance or inhalation of decomposition products will cause
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level A required for spill response; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
Water reactivity: May react violently with water producing heat, corrosive fumes, and potentially flammable gases. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash; DO NOT use water, foam, or CO2.
ERG Guide 136 recommendation: ERG 136: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind for large spill; if involved in fire isolate 800m
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 136 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.