☣️ UN 3273 • CLASS 3
Nitriles, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. 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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Quick details
UN 3273
Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m (150ft) all directions; evacuate 800m (0.5 miles) downwind if large spill; 1600m (1 mile) if fire/tank involved
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Flammable toxic nitrilesPoisonous nitrile compoundsNitrile liquids (flammable/toxic)N.O.S. nitrile solutions |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific nitrile; typically clear to pale yellow liquids with pungent, irritating odors. Room temperature liquids with characteristic sharp, acrid smell. |
| Flash Point | Varies by specific nitrile; typically below 23°C (73°F) for Class 3 flammable liquids |
| Boiling Point | Varies widely; typically 80-200°C (176-392°F) depending on molecular weight |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air); specific values range from 1.4 to 3+ depending on compound |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water; some nitriles may hydrolyze slowly to carboxylic acids and ammonia |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A or B required; SCBA mandatory due to toxic vapor hazard; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; avoid all skin contact |
| Isolation | ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m (150ft) all directions; evacuate 800m (0.5 miles) downwind if large spill; 1600m (1 mile) if fire/tank involved |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- 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.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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.
- 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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UN 3273 — Nitriles, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3273
Product: Nitriles, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 131
PPE: Level A or B required; SCBA mandatory due to toxic vapor hazard; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; avoid all skin contact
ISOLATION: ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m (150ft) all directions; evacuate 800m (0.5 miles) downwind if large spill; 1600m (1 mile) if fire/tank involved
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 3273 — Nitriles, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific nitrile; typically clear to pale yellow liquids with pungent, irritating odors. Room temperature liquids with characteristic sharp, acrid smell.
Water Reactivity: Generally stable in water; some nitriles may hydrolyze slowly to carboxylic acids and ammonia
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A or B required; SCBA mandatory due to toxic vapor hazard; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; avoid all skin contact
Isolation: ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m (150ft) all directions; evacuate 800m (0.5 miles) downwind if large spill; 1600m (1 mile) if fire/tank involved
— 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 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/3273 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3273 Nitriles, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3273SMS / 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/3273
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FAQ
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.
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 A or B required; SCBA mandatory due to toxic vapor hazard; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; avoid all skin contact
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 131 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.