☣️ UN 3279 • CLASS 6
UN 3279 — Organophosphorus compound, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. 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 3279 Quick Details
UN 3279
Product name: Organophosphorus compound, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 131 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; initial evacuation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m
Common Hazards of UN 3279
- 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Organophosphorus poisonOrganophosphate compoundPhosphorus-containing toxic substanceOP compound n.o.s. |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to pale yellow liquid with mild to pungent odor. This is a generic category covering various organophosphorus compounds. |
| Flash Point | Variable, typically 23°C to 61°C (73°F to 142°F) depending on specific compound |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically 100°C to 300°C (212°F to 572°F) depending on specific compound |
| Vapor Density | Typically >1 (heavier than air) for most organophosphorus liquids |
| Water Reactivity | Some compounds may hydrolyze slowly in water; generally no violent reaction but may release toxic vapors |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3279
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A or B with SCBA required; full chemical protective suit; avoid all skin contact due to dermal absorption hazard
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 131: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; initial evacuation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 131).
First Actions for a UN 3279 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.
- 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 3279 — Organophosphorus compound, poisonous, flHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3279
Product: Organophosphorus compound, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA required; full chemical protective suit; avoid all skin contact due to dermal absorption hazard
ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; initial evacuation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m
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 3279 — Organophosphorus compound, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to pale yellow liquid with mild to pungent odor. This is a generic category covering various organophosphorus compounds.
Water Reactivity: Some compounds may hydrolyze slowly in water; generally no violent reaction but may release toxic vapors
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA required; full chemical protective suit; avoid all skin contact due to dermal absorption hazard
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; initial evacuation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m
— 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/3279 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3279 Organophosphorus compound, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3279SMS / 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/3279
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3279
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 with SCBA required; full chemical protective suit; avoid all skin contact due to dermal absorption hazard
Water reactivity: Some compounds may hydrolyze slowly in water; generally no violent reaction but may release toxic vapors. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only.
ERG Guide 131 recommendation: ERG 131: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; initial evacuation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m
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.