☣️ UN 3228 • CLASS 4

UN 3228 — Self-reactive solid type E

Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 149. 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 3228 Quick Details

UN 3228
Product name: Self-reactive solid type E
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 149 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 149: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind during daytime, 800m at night; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind

Common Hazards of UN 3228

  • Self-decomposition, self-polymerization, or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical
  • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • May burn violently. Decomposition or polymerization may be self-accelerating and produce large
  • Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
  • May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Also known asSelf-reactive solid type EOrganic peroxide type E solidSelf-accelerating decomposition materialSADM solid type E
AppearanceVaries widely - solid formulations of organic compounds that may be white, colored powders, granules, or crystalline materials at room temperature. Odor varies by specific compound.
Flash PointNot applicable (self-reactive solid)
Boiling PointNot applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivityGenerally no reaction with water, but may decompose in presence of moisture depending on specific formulation
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3228

Extinguishing Media

Water spray for cooling only, CO2, dry chemical powder; avoid direct application on decomposing material

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum recommended; SCBA and full protective clothing required; maintain distance due to decomposition/explosion risk

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 149: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind during daytime, 800m at night; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 149).

First Actions for a UN 3228 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
  • Consider initial evacuation for at least 250 meters (800 feet) in all directions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 3228 — Self-reactive solid type E
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3228 Product: Self-reactive solid type E Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 149 PPE: Level B minimum recommended; SCBA and full protective clothing required; maintain distance due to decomposition/explosion risk ISOLATION: ERG 149: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind during daytime, 800m at night; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 3228 — Self-reactive solid type E Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 149 Appearance: Varies widely - solid formulations of organic compounds that may be white, colored powders, granules, or crystalline materials at room temperature. Odor varies by specific compound. Water Reactivity: Generally no reaction with water, but may decompose in presence of moisture depending on specific formulation Extinguishing: Water spray for cooling only, CO2, dry chemical powder; avoid direct application on decomposing material PPE: Level B minimum recommended; SCBA and full protective clothing required; maintain distance due to decomposition/explosion risk Isolation: ERG 149: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind during daytime, 800m at night; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind — Key Hazards — • Self-decomposition, self-polymerization, or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. — 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3228 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN3228 Self-reactive solid type E Cls4 ERG149 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3228SMS / 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/3228

Related UN Numbers in Class 4

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3228

Self-decomposition, self-polymerization, or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May burn violently. Decomposition or polymerization may be self-accelerating and produce large Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases.

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 recommended; SCBA and full protective clothing required; maintain distance due to decomposition/explosion risk

Water reactivity: Generally no reaction with water, but may decompose in presence of moisture depending on specific formulation. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray for cooling only, CO2, dry chemical powder; avoid direct application on decomposing material.

ERG Guide 149 recommendation: ERG 149: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind during daytime, 800m at night; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 149 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.