☣️ 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.
🚒☣️
⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ 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.
UN 3248 Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. is assigned to ERG Guide 131 for initial emergency response. Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature. Verify the exact product from shipping papers and SDS before selecting tactics.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards: a flammable hazardous material; vapors may form explosive mixtures and flash back. 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.
Response guidance: For a UN 3248 incident, isolate the area, keep unauthorized personnel away, stay upwind/uphill and confirm the exact material from shipping papers and SDS. Eliminate ignition sources and use the listed extinguishing media; for burning gas, do not extinguish unless the leak can be stopped. Follow ERG Guide 131 and local incident command procedures.
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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
Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature.
| 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
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 the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper if available.
- 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 initial isolation distance in the downwind direction as needed.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
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 the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper if available.
• 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/medicine-liquid-flammable-poisonous-un-3248 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3248 Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/medicine-liquid-flammable-poisonous-un-3248SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/medicine-liquid-flammable-poisonous-un-3248
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3248
UN 3248 is Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s., assigned to ERG Guide 131 for initial emergency response.
A flammable hazardous material; vapors may form explosive mixtures and flash back.
Yes. Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. has a flammable or combustible hazard and should be kept away from heat, sparks and flames.
Generally no significant reaction with water, though some formulations may be water-miscible or immiscible
Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to toxic absorption hazard through skin; avoid all contact
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.