☣️ UN 3271 • CLASS 3
UN 3271 — Ethers, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. 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 3271 Quick Details
UN 3271
Product name: Ethers, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: Small spill isolate 30m; large spill isolate 150m initially, then 800m downwind during fire
Common Hazards of UN 3271
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Diethyl etherEthyl etherDiisopropyl etherMethyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)Tetrahydrofuran (THF)DioxaneAnisole |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquids with characteristic sweet, pungent ether odor. Highly volatile at room temperature with low viscosity. |
| Flash Point | -45C to -40C (-49F to -40F) for common ethers like diethyl ether |
| Boiling Point | 35C to 101C (95F to 214F) depending on specific ether |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) for diethyl ether; most ethers are heavier than air |
| Water Reactivity | Most ethers are immiscible or slightly soluble in water with no significant reaction; some may form peroxides on prolonged storage |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3271
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam preferred, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; Level A if peroxide formation suspected or vapor concentrations are unknown
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 127: Small spill isolate 30m; large spill isolate 150m initially, then 800m downwind during fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).
First Actions for a UN 3271 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.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 3271 — Ethers, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3271
Product: Ethers, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; Level A if peroxide formation suspected or vapor concentrations are unknown
ISOLATION: ERG 127: Small spill isolate 30m; large spill isolate 150m initially, then 800m downwind during 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 3271 — Ethers, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquids with characteristic sweet, pungent ether odor. Highly volatile at room temperature with low viscosity.
Water Reactivity: Most ethers are immiscible or slightly soluble in water with no significant reaction; some may form peroxides on prolonged storage
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam preferred, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; Level A if peroxide formation suspected or vapor concentrations are unknown
Isolation: ERG 127: Small spill isolate 30m; large spill isolate 150m initially, then 800m downwind during fire
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— 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/3271 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3271 Ethers, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG127 | ERG 127: Small spill isolate 30m; large spill isolate 150m initially, then 800m | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3271SMS / 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/3271
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3271
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer 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 Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA required; Level A if peroxide formation suspected or vapor concentrations are unknown
Water reactivity: Most ethers are immiscible or slightly soluble in water with no significant reaction; some may form peroxides on prolonged storage. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam preferred, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only.
ERG Guide 127 recommendation: ERG 127: Small spill isolate 30m; large spill isolate 150m initially, then 800m downwind during fire
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 127 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.