☣️ UN 3494 • CLASS 3
Petroleum sour crude oil, flammable, poisonous
Placard: Flammable. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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 3494
Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance up to 800m (0.5 miles) downwind for large spills; evacuate immediately if H2S concentrations exceed safe limits
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Sour crude oilHigh sulfur crude petroleumH2S-containing crude oilToxic crude petroleum |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black viscous liquid with a strong petroleum odor and characteristic hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) smell. Flammable liquid at ambient temperature. |
| Flash Point | -35°C to 35°C (-31°F to 95°F) depending on composition |
| Boiling Point | Wide boiling range 30°C to 400°C+ (86°F to 752°F+) |
| Vapor Density | 3-4 (heavier than air due to hydrocarbon vapors and H2S) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; floats and spreads on water surface |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A or B with SCBA mandatory due to H2S toxicity; chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; H2S monitoring essential |
| Isolation | ERG 131: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance up to 800m (0.5 miles) downwind for large spills; evacuate immediately if H2S concentrations exceed safe limits |
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 3494 — Petroleum sour crude oil, flammable, poi HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3494
Product: Petroleum sour crude oil, flammable, poisonous
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 131
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA mandatory due to H2S toxicity; chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; H2S monitoring essential
ISOLATION: ERG 131: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance up to 800m (0.5 miles) downwind for large spills; evacuate immediately if H2S concentrations exceed safe limits
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 3494 — Petroleum sour crude oil, flammable, poisonous
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Dark brown to black viscous liquid with a strong petroleum odor and characteristic hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) smell. Flammable liquid at ambient temperature.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; floats and spreads on water surface
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA mandatory due to H2S toxicity; chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; H2S monitoring essential
Isolation: ERG 131: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance up to 800m (0.5 miles) downwind for large spills; evacuate immediately if H2S concentrations exceed safe limits
— 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/3494 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3494 Petroleum sour crude oil, flammable, poisonous Cls3 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3494SMS / 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/3494
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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 with SCBA mandatory due to H2S toxicity; chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; H2S monitoring essential
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.