☣️ UN 3230 • CLASS 4
UN 3230 — Self-reactive solid type F
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 3230 Quick Details
UN 3230
Product name: Self-reactive solid type F
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 149 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 149: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m for small spills, 300m for large spills; if fire or violent decomposition, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Common Hazards of UN 3230
- 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 as | Self-reactive solid type FOrganic peroxide type F solidClass 4.1 self-reactive materialTemperature controlled self-reactive substance |
| Appearance | Solid material that may vary in color and form depending on specific formulation. Self-reactive solids are thermally unstable substances capable of undergoing vigorous exothermic decomposition without oxygen participation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-reactive solid, decomposes before traditional flash point) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant water reactivity, but decomposition products may be hazardous; avoid uncontrolled contact |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3230
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, sand, or dirt; avoid direct water streams which may spread material
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit if decomposition or fire involved; maintain distance due to potential explosive decomposition
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 149: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m for small spills, 300m for large spills; if fire or violent decomposition, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 149).
First Actions for a UN 3230 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 3230 — Self-reactive solid type FHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3230
Product: Self-reactive solid type F
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 149
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit if decomposition or fire involved; maintain distance due to potential explosive decomposition
ISOLATION: ERG 149: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m for small spills, 300m for large spills; if fire or violent decomposition, 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 3230 — Self-reactive solid type F
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 149
Appearance: Solid material that may vary in color and form depending on specific formulation. Self-reactive solids are thermally unstable substances capable of undergoing vigorous exothermic decomposition without oxygen participation.
Water Reactivity: Generally no significant water reactivity, but decomposition products may be hazardous; avoid uncontrolled contact
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, or dirt; avoid direct water streams which may spread material
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit if decomposition or fire involved; maintain distance due to potential explosive decomposition
Isolation: ERG 149: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m for small spills, 300m for large spills; if fire or violent decomposition, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
— 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/3230 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3230 Self-reactive solid type F Cls4 ERG149 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3230SMS / 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/3230
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3230
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 with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit if decomposition or fire involved; maintain distance due to potential explosive decomposition
Water reactivity: Generally no significant water reactivity, but decomposition products may be hazardous; avoid uncontrolled contact. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, or dirt; avoid direct water streams which may spread material.
ERG Guide 149 recommendation: ERG 149: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m for small spills, 300m for large spills; if fire or violent decomposition, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
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.