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.
UN 3212 Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s. is an oxidizing material. Response depends on the exact salt, concentration and contaminants present.
Hazard overview: Oxidizers supply oxygen or promote combustion. They can intensify fires, react with fuels or reducing agents, and release irritating decomposition gases when heated.
Response guidance: Isolate the spill, remove combustibles and prevent contamination. Cool exposed containers from a safe distance when compatible, and choose extinguishing media using ERG 140 and product-specific SDS.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to separate oxidizers from fuels, organics and reducing agents, and to cool exposed containers from a safe distance when compatible.
Regulatory context: Class 5.1 oxidizers must be segregated from combustible materials, organic liquids, reducing agents and incompatible acids as required by shipping papers and local code.
Storage & handling: Store away from combustibles, oils, organic materials, reducing agents and heat. Prevent contamination of containers, residue and spill cleanup tools.
UN 3212 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3212
- Oxidizer can intensify fire even though it may not be combustible itself.
- Heat, contamination or contact with fuels, organics or reducing agents can cause rapid decomposition.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Spills can make combustible materials easier to ignite.
- Fire may release irritating, toxic or corrosive decomposition gases.
- Runoff may remain oxidizing and can contaminate drains or waterways.
- Exact oxidizer concentration and additives must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Typically white to grayish-white crystalline powder or granules with a chlorine-like odor. Solid oxidizing materials at room temperature.
| 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 |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3212
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and chemical-resistant clothing for spills, fire or unknown concentration. Keep PPE and tools free of oils, fuels and organic contamination.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3212 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command before close approach.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or gases may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, smoke or decomposition products and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE and monitoring.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Use ERG, SDS, shipping papers and atmospheric/radiation monitoring for final isolation and control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3212 — Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.