☣️ UN 3487 • CLASS 5
UN 3487 — Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, corrosive, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. 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 3487 covers calcium hypochlorite hydrated mixture with controlled water content and corrosive oxidizing properties.
Hazard overview: The material can intensify fires, react with contaminants, and release irritating chlorine-containing gases when heated or wetted.
Response guidance: Isolate spills, keep away from combustibles and acids, avoid water streams on bulk material, and cool exposed containers from a safe distance.
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UN 3487 Quick Details
UN 3487
Product name: Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, corrosive, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 3487
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, corrosive, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water is a white granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine odor.
| Also known as | Calcium hypochlorite hydrateHTHBleaching powder hydratedCalcium oxychloride hydratedLosantin |
| CAS Number | 7778-54-3 |
| Appearance | White granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine odor. Hygroscopic and corrosive. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at 180C/356F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves in water releasing heat and chlorine gas; avoid large amounts of water during spills |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3487
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, or carbon dioxide; avoid water streams on bulk material
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to corrosive and oxidizing properties
Level B with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit is recommended; use eye, face, and glove protection for corrosive oxidizer exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 3487 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate the spill or leak area in all directions using ERG guidance for the material and package size.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3487 — Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture,HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3487
Product: Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, corrosive, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to corrosive and oxidizing properties
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 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 3487 — Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, corrosive, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine odor. Hygroscopic and corrosive.
Water Reactivity: Dissolves in water releasing heat and chlorine gas; avoid large amounts of water during spills
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or carbon dioxide; avoid water streams on bulk material
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to corrosive and oxidizing properties
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
• May explode from heat or contamination.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
• 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/calcium-hypochlorite-hydrated-mixture-un-3487 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3487 Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, corrosive, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/calcium-hypochlorite-hydrated-mixture-un-3487SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/calcium-hypochlorite-hydrated-mixture-un-3487
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3487
It is not a fuel, but it can accelerate burning as an oxidizer.
Yes. It can dissolve or react with water, releasing heat and chlorine-containing vapors.
Level B with SCBA and chemical-resistant protection is recommended.
Isolate 25–50 m, keep combustibles away, and avoid direct water streams on bulk material.
UN 3487 is assigned to ERG Guide 140 for initial emergency response guidance.
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.