UN 3270 — Nitrocellulose membrane filters
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3270 is Nitrocellulose membrane filters, a flammable nitrocellulose membrane entry assigned to ERG Guide 133. Dryness, friction and re-ignition are key hazards.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE nitrocellulose membrane material; dry filters can ignite from heat, sparks or friction. May burn rapidly with flare-burning behavior. Dry sheets, discs or dust can spread fire quickly; wetted material is generally less ignitable.
Response guidance: For UN 3270, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact controls with SDS and ERG 133.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3270 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitrocellulose membrane filters is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitrocellulose membrane filters should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3270 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3270
- FLAMMABLE nitrocellulose membrane material; dry filters can ignite from heat, sparks or friction.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning behavior.
- Dry sheets, discs or dust can spread fire quickly; wetted material is generally less ignitable.
- Heating or fire may produce nitrogen oxides and irritating/toxic smoke.
- May re-ignite if hot or partially burned material remains.
- Runoff may carry contaminated cellulose nitrate residue.
- Condition, moisture content and packaging must be verified.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow solid membrane or filter material, odorless or slight chemical odor. Typically supplied as thin sheets or discs in dry or wetted condition.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateNitrated celluloseCollodion cottonPyroxylinGuncotton (high nitrogen content)NC membranes |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow solid membrane or filter material, odorless or slight chemical odor. Typically supplied as thin sheets or discs in dry or wetted condition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-reactive solid, ignites readily at 160-170C) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; wetting with water increases stability and reduces fire risk |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3270
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3270 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 133, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3270 — Nitrocellulose membrane filtersUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.