☣️ UN 3540 • CLASS 3
UN 3540 — Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. 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 3540 Quick Details
UN 3540
Product name: Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; if tank/article involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation
Common Hazards of UN 3540
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Flammable liquid articles NOSArticles containing Class 3 liquidsFlammable liquid-containing devicesManufactured articles with flammable liquid |
| Appearance | Manufactured articles, devices, or equipment containing flammable liquids as a component. Physical appearance varies depending on the article; the contained liquid is typically volatile and combustible at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by contained liquid; typically below 60.5°C (141°F) for Class 3 flammables |
| Boiling Point | Varies by contained liquid composition |
| Vapor Density | Varies by contained liquid; typically heavier than air (>1) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction for most common flammable liquids; however, specific article contents should be verified |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3540
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical powder; avoid water jets that may spread liquid if released
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; full structural firefighting gear if fire involved; chemical-resistant gloves for handling damaged articles
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; if tank/article involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).
First Actions for a UN 3540 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.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 3540 — Articles containing flammable liquid, n.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3540
Product: Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full structural firefighting gear if fire involved; chemical-resistant gloves for handling damaged articles
ISOLATION: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; if tank/article involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation
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 3540 — Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127
Appearance: Manufactured articles, devices, or equipment containing flammable liquids as a component. Physical appearance varies depending on the article; the contained liquid is typically volatile and combustible at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction for most common flammable liquids; however, specific article contents should be verified
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical powder; avoid water jets that may spread liquid if released
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full structural firefighting gear if fire involved; chemical-resistant gloves for handling damaged articles
Isolation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; if tank/article involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— 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/3540 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3540 Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG127 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3540SMS / 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/3540
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3540
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer 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 Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA required; full structural firefighting gear if fire involved; chemical-resistant gloves for handling damaged articles
Water reactivity: No significant reaction for most common flammable liquids; however, specific article contents should be verified. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, CO2, dry chemical powder; avoid water jets that may spread liquid if released.
ERG Guide 127 recommendation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; if tank/article involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 127 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.