☣️ UN 3420 • CLASS 8
Boron trifluoride propionic acid complex, solid
Placard: Corrosive. 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 3420
Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG: Guide 157 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 157: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions; evacuate initial downwind 300m for small spill, 1000m for large spill
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Boron trifluoride propanoic acid complexBF3 propionic acid complexBoron trifluoride-propionic acid adduct |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly corrosive and hygroscopic material that fumes in moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously with water releasing corrosive and toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas and heat; avoid water contact |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, soda ash, lime; no water or foam |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A recommended; full encapsulating suit with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves; avoid all contact with material and vapors |
| Isolation | ERG 157: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions; evacuate initial downwind 300m for small spill, 1000m for large spill |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance
- Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases.
- Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- UN1802, UN2032, UN3084, UN3093, UN1796 (above 50%), UN1826 (above 50%), and UN2031 (above
- Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).
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 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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UN 3420 — Boron trifluoride propionic acid complex HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3420
Product: Boron trifluoride propionic acid complex, solid
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 157
PPE: Level A recommended; full encapsulating suit with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves; avoid all contact with material and vapors
ISOLATION: ERG 157: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions; evacuate initial downwind 300m for small spill, 1000m for large spill
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 3420 — Boron trifluoride propionic acid complex, solid
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 157
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly corrosive and hygroscopic material that fumes in moist air.
Water Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with water releasing corrosive and toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas and heat; avoid water contact
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime; no water or foam
PPE: Level A recommended; full encapsulating suit with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves; avoid all contact with material and vapors
Isolation: ERG 157: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions; evacuate initial downwind 300m for small spill, 1000m for large spill
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance
• Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases.
• Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.
— 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/3420 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3420 Boron trifluoride propionic acid complex, solid Cls8 ERG157 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3420SMS / 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/3420
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FAQ
TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive UN1802, UN2032, UN3084, UN3093, UN1796 (above 50%), UN1826 (above 50%), and UN2031 (above Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).
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 recommended; full encapsulating suit with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves; avoid all contact with material and vapors
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 157 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.