☣️ UN 3272 • CLASS 3
UN 3272 — Esters, 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 3272 Quick Details
UN 3272
Product name: Esters, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 3272
- 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 | Ester compoundsCarboxylic acid estersAlkyl estersOrganic estersEster mixtures |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquids with fruity or pleasant odors. Physical properties vary widely depending on specific ester composition. Typically lighter than water and immiscible. |
| Flash Point | Varies widely by ester type, typically -20C to 25C (-4F to 77F) for common flammable esters |
| Boiling Point | Varies by specific ester, typically 50C to 200C (122F to 392F) |
| Vapor Density | 2-4 (heavier than air for most common esters) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water; some esters may slowly hydrolyze to form alcohol and carboxylic acid |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3272
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; splash-proof chemical protective clothing; monitor for vapor concentration
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 127: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).
First Actions for a UN 3272 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 3272 — Esters, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3272
Product: Esters, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; splash-proof chemical protective clothing; monitor for vapor concentration
ISOLATION: ERG 127: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m 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 3272 — Esters, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquids with fruity or pleasant odors. Physical properties vary widely depending on specific ester composition. Typically lighter than water and immiscible.
Water Reactivity: Generally stable in water; some esters may slowly hydrolyze to form alcohol and carboxylic acid
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; splash-proof chemical protective clothing; monitor for vapor concentration
Isolation: ERG 127: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind
— 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/3272 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3272 Esters, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG127 | ERG 127: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire iso | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3272SMS / 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/3272
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3272
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; splash-proof chemical protective clothing; monitor for vapor concentration
Water reactivity: Generally stable in water; some esters may slowly hydrolyze to form alcohol and carboxylic acid. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling.
ERG Guide 127 recommendation: ERG 127: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind
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.