☣️ UN 3212 • CLASS 5
UN 3212 — Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. 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 3212 Quick Details
UN 3212
Product name: Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area minimum 50m in all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 100m downwind; if fire threatens containers, evacuate 800m radius
Common Hazards of UN 3212
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Hypochlorite saltsCalcium hypochlorite (CAS 7778-54-3)Lithium hypochlorite (CAS 13840-33-0)Barium hypochlorite (CAS 13477-10-6)Bleaching powder compounds |
| Appearance | Typically white to grayish-white crystalline powder or granules with a chlorine-like odor. Solid oxidizing materials at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling, typically above 100C/212F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves in water releasing heat and oxygen; solution is corrosive and may release chlorine gas, especially if acidified |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3212
Extinguishing Media
Do not use water or foam directly on material; use dry sand, dry chemical, or soda ash for small fires; flood with large quantities of water from a distance for large fires
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum required; full protective clothing and SCBA mandatory; material is a strong oxidizer and corrosive; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill area minimum 50m in all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 100m downwind; if fire threatens containers, evacuate 800m radius
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 3212 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.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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UN 3212 — Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3212
Product: Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum required; full protective clothing and SCBA mandatory; material is a strong oxidizer and corrosive; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill area minimum 50m in all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 100m downwind; if fire threatens containers, evacuate 800m radius
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 3212 — Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: Typically white to grayish-white crystalline powder or granules with a chlorine-like odor. Solid oxidizing materials at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Dissolves in water releasing heat and oxygen; solution is corrosive and may release chlorine gas, especially if acidified
Extinguishing: Do not use water or foam directly on material; use dry sand, dry chemical, or soda ash for small fires; flood with large quantities of water from a distance for large fires
PPE: Level B minimum required; full protective clothing and SCBA mandatory; material is a strong oxidizer and corrosive; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area minimum 50m in all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 100m downwind; if fire threatens containers, evacuate 800m radius
— Key Hazards —
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
• May explode from heat or contamination.
— 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/3212 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3212 Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s. Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3212SMS / 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/3212
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3212
These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or
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 required; full protective clothing and SCBA mandatory; material is a strong oxidizer and corrosive; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
Water reactivity: Dissolves in water releasing heat and oxygen; solution is corrosive and may release chlorine gas, especially if acidified. Recommended extinguishing: Do not use water or foam directly on material; use dry sand, dry chemical, or soda ash for small fires; flood with large quantities of water from a distance for large fires.
ERG Guide 140 recommendation: ERG 140: isolate spill area minimum 50m in all directions; for large spills consider initial evacuation 100m downwind; if fire threatens containers, evacuate 800m radius
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 140 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.