☣️ UN 3248 • CLASS 3
UN 3248 — Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. 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 3248 Quick Details
UN 3248
Product name: Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 131 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 131: Initial isolation 50m all directions; Protective Action Distance 100m downwind daytime, 300m nighttime for small spills; evacuate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
Common Hazards of UN 3248
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Flammable toxic medicinal liquidPharmaceutical preparation, flammable and poisonousMedicinal compound, liquid, toxic |
| Appearance | Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically <23°C (<73°F) for Class 3 flammable liquids |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation and solvent base used |
| Vapor Density | Varies by formulation, typically >1 (heavier than air) for most organic solvent-based medicines |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though some formulations may be water-miscible or immiscible |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3248
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical; regular foam may be ineffective on alcohol-soluble formulations
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to toxic absorption hazard through skin; avoid all contact
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 131: Initial isolation 50m all directions; Protective Action Distance 100m downwind daytime, 300m nighttime for small spills; evacuate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 131).
First Actions for a UN 3248 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 for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- 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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UN 3248 — Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous,HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3248
Product: Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 131
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to toxic absorption hazard through skin; avoid all contact
ISOLATION: ERG 131: Initial isolation 50m all directions; Protective Action Distance 100m downwind daytime, 300m nighttime for small spills; evacuate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
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 3248 — Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Generally no significant reaction with water, though some formulations may be water-miscible or immiscible
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical; regular foam may be ineffective on alcohol-soluble formulations
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to toxic absorption hazard through skin; avoid all contact
Isolation: ERG 131: Initial isolation 50m all directions; Protective Action Distance 100m downwind daytime, 300m nighttime for small spills; evacuate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
— 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/3248 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3248 Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3248SMS / 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/3248
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3248
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
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; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to toxic absorption hazard through skin; avoid all contact
Water reactivity: Generally no significant reaction with water, though some formulations may be water-miscible or immiscible. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical; regular foam may be ineffective on alcohol-soluble formulations.
ERG Guide 131 recommendation: ERG 131: Initial isolation 50m all directions; Protective Action Distance 100m downwind daytime, 300m nighttime for small spills; evacuate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 131 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.