☣️ UN 3342 • CLASS 4
UN 3342 — Xanthates
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. 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 3342 Quick Details
UN 3342
Product name: Xanthates
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 135 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill/leak area 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 3342
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | XanthatesXanthic acid saltsDithiocarbonatesCellulose xanthateAlkyl xanthates |
| Appearance | Yellow to pale amber crystalline solids or powders with a characteristic unpleasant odor. Hygroscopic materials that may decompose in moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (spontaneously combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture and acids to release highly flammable carbon disulfide vapor; avoid water contact |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3342
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash; do not use water or foam
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; avoid moisture contamination
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 135: isolate spill/leak area 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 135).
First Actions for a UN 3342 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- 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 3342 — XanthatesHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3342
Product: Xanthates
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 135
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; avoid moisture contamination
ISOLATION: ERG 135: isolate spill/leak area 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
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 3342 — Xanthates
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 135
Appearance: Yellow to pale amber crystalline solids or powders with a characteristic unpleasant odor. Hygroscopic materials that may decompose in moist air.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with moisture and acids to release highly flammable carbon disulfide vapor; avoid water contact
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash; do not use water or foam
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; avoid moisture contamination
Isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill/leak area 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
• May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3342 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3342 Xanthates Cls4 ERG135 | ERG 135: isolate spill/leak area 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved i | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3342SMS / 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/3342
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3342
Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff 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 Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; avoid moisture contamination
Water reactivity: Reacts with moisture and acids to release highly flammable carbon disulfide vapor; avoid water contact. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash; do not use water or foam.
ERG Guide 135 recommendation: ERG 135: isolate spill/leak area 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 135 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.