☣️ 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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⚠️ Verification required: Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.

⚠️ 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.

UN 3540 is Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s., assigned to ERG Guide 127. This entry should be verified with shipping papers, labels and the SDS before responders commit to close-range action.

Hazard overview: Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s. can be ignited by heat, sparks, flame, friction or damaged contents. Vapors, dusts or burning articles may create flashback, re-ignition or explosion hazards.

Response guidance: Use ERG Guide 127, confirm the exact contents, isolate the area, keep unauthorized personnel away, control ignition sources and choose extinguishing agents based on the article or material involved.

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

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.

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

Level B minimum with SCBA required; full structural firefighting gear if fire involved; chemical-resistant gloves for handling damaged articles. Select final PPE using ERG guidance, SDS, monitoring and incident command.

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

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).

📋 Copy & Share Field Card

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.

SMS WhatsApp

=== 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 — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/articles-containing-flammable-liquid-un-3540 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)

UN3540 Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG127 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/articles-containing-flammable-liquid-un-3540SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

Open in Messages WhatsApp

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/articles-containing-flammable-liquid-un-3540

Related UN Numbers in Class 3

Open Class Guide →Hazmat Hub →

UN 1088 UN 1089 UN 1090 UN 1091 UN 1104 UN 1105 UN 1106 UN 1107 UN 1108 UN 1109 UN 1110 UN 1111

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.

Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3540

UN 3540 is Articles containing flammable liquid, n.o.s., assigned to ERG Guide 127.

ERG Guide 127 applies for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

Articles containing flammable liquid, n.

Level B minimum with SCBA required; full structural firefighting gear if fire involved; chemical-resistant gloves for handling damaged articles.

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.