☣️ UN 3488 • CLASS 6
UN 3488 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, corrosive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
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 3488 Quick Details
UN 3488
Product name: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, corrosive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 131 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider initial evacuation 800m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 3488
- 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 | Toxic inhalation hazard liquidFlammable corrosive poisonPIH liquid Zone ATIH liquid flammable corrosive |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific chemical; typically a liquid at room temperature with potentially irritating or pungent odor. Flammable, corrosive, and highly toxic by inhalation (Zone A indicates highest inhalation toxicity). |
| Flash Point | Below 23C (73F) - flammable liquid |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific substance |
| Vapor Density | Typically heavier than air (vapors accumulate in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water producing corrosive and/or toxic fumes; use caution |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3488
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam preferred; dry chemical; CO2; avoid water streams due to corrosivity
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required; fully encapsulated chemical protective suit with SCBA; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 131: isolate spill/leak 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider initial evacuation 800m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 131).
First Actions for a UN 3488 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 3488 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammablHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3488
Product: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, corrosive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level A required; fully encapsulated chemical protective suit with SCBA; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A
ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider initial evacuation 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 3488 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, corrosive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific chemical; typically a liquid at room temperature with potentially irritating or pungent odor. Flammable, corrosive, and highly toxic by inhalation (Zone A indicates highest inhalation toxicity).
Water Reactivity: May react with water producing corrosive and/or toxic fumes; use caution
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam preferred; dry chemical; CO2; avoid water streams due to corrosivity
PPE: Level A required; fully encapsulated chemical protective suit with SCBA; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider initial evacuation 800m all directions
— 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/3488 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3488 Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, corrosive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3488SMS / 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/3488
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3488
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 required; fully encapsulated chemical protective suit with SCBA; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A
Water reactivity: May react with water producing corrosive and/or toxic fumes; use caution. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam preferred; dry chemical; CO2; avoid water streams due to corrosivity.
ERG Guide 131 recommendation: ERG 131: isolate spill/leak 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider initial evacuation 800m all directions
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.