UN 3242 — Azodicarbonamide
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 149. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3242 is Azodicarbonamide, a self-reactive flammable solid assigned to ERG Guide 149. Dust, gas-generating decomposition and pressure buildup require control.
Hazard overview: Self-reactive/flammable solid; heat or contamination can trigger decomposition. Dust may form explosive mixtures in air and can irritate respiratory tissue. Decomposition can release large volumes of gas, increasing pressure in containers.
Response guidance: For UN 3242, isolate powder or heated packages, avoid dust clouds and use SCBA. Cool from protection, avoid dispersing powder and withdraw if decomposition accelerates.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3242 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, dust/vapor control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package review. Use ERG 149, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Azodicarbonamide is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation, package type and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Azodicarbonamide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3242 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3242
- Self-reactive/flammable solid; heat or contamination can trigger decomposition.
- Dust may form explosive mixtures in air and can irritate respiratory tissue.
- Decomposition can release large volumes of gas, increasing pressure in containers.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic smoke.
- May burn rapidly when dispersed as powder.
- Runoff may carry contaminated powder or decomposition residue.
- Exact particle size, additives and package condition should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Yellow to orange-red crystalline powder or granules. Odorless or slight ammonia-like odor. Solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | ADAADCAAzoformamideAzobisformamidePorofor ADC1,1'-Azobisformamide |
| CAS Number | 123-77-3 |
| Appearance | Yellow to orange-red crystalline powder or granules. Odorless or slight ammonia-like odor. Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (decomposes before melting) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at approximately 195-215C/383-419F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water under normal conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3242
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA, full protective clothing and distance/blast protection. Avoid contaminated PPE, friction, heat and direct contact with reactive residue.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3242 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Keep heat, sparks, friction, shock and contamination away from the material.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, spilled material or residue without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated runoff, dust, liquid and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 149, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3242 — AzodicarbonamideUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.