☣️ UN 3254 • CLASS 4
UN 3254 — Tributylphosphane
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. 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 3254 Quick Details
UN 3254
Product name: Tributylphosphane
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 135 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 1600m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 3254
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | TributylphosphineTri-n-butylphosphineTBPPhosphorous tributyln-Tributylphosphine |
| CAS Number | 998-40-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, unpleasant, garlic-like or phosphine odor. Pyrophoric properties may be present. |
| Flash Point | -7C (19F) |
| Boiling Point | 150C (302F) at 100 mmHg |
| Vapor Density | 6.8 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture producing flammable phosphine gas; may ignite spontaneously in moist air |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3254
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, sand, or dry earth; do not use water or foam due to water reactivity
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit due to pyrophoric nature and toxicity
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 135: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 1600m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 135).
First Actions for a UN 3254 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3254 — TributylphosphaneHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3254
Product: Tributylphosphane
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 135
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit due to pyrophoric nature and toxicity
ISOLATION: ERG 135: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 1600m downwind
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 3254 — Tributylphosphane
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 135
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, unpleasant, garlic-like or phosphine odor. Pyrophoric properties may be present.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with moisture producing flammable phosphine gas; may ignite spontaneously in moist air
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, or dry earth; do not use water or foam due to water reactivity
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit due to pyrophoric nature and toxicity
Isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 1600m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
• May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• 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/3254 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3254 Tributylphosphane Cls4 ERG135 | ERG 135: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3254SMS / 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/3254
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3254
Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level B minimum with SCBA required; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit due to pyrophoric nature and toxicity
Water reactivity: Reacts with moisture producing flammable phosphine gas; may ignite spontaneously in moist air. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, or dry earth; do not use water or foam due to water reactivity.
ERG Guide 135 recommendation: ERG 135: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 1600m downwind
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 135 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.