☣️ UN 3486 • CLASS 5
UN 3486 — Calcium hypochlorite mixture, dry, corrosive, with more than 10% but not more than 39% available chlorine
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 3486 covers dry calcium hypochlorite mixtures with more than 10% but not more than 39% available chlorine.
Hazard overview: The material can accelerate burning, react with moisture or contamination, and produce irritating or corrosive decomposition products when heated.
Response guidance: Keep material dry and away from organic matter, acids, fuels, and reducing agents. Isolate spills and use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash if compatible.
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UN 3486 Quick Details
UN 3486
Product name: Calcium hypochlorite mixture, dry, corrosive, with more than 10% but not more than 39% available chlorine
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves containers
Common Hazards of UN 3486
- 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 mixture, UN 3486, is a white to light gray granular or powder solid with a strong chlorine odor.
| Also known as | Calcium hypochlorite dry mixCalcium oxychloride mixtureHTH mixtureChlorinated lime mixtureBleaching powder mixture |
| Appearance | White to light gray granular or powder solid with a strong chlorine odor. Corrosive oxidizing agent that decomposes in heat or moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing heat and chlorine gas; may ignite combustibles on contact |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3486
Extinguishing Media
Do not use water or foam; use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash only
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
Level B with full-face SCBA, chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and eye protection is recommended for spill or fire response.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves containers
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 3486 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 3486 — Calcium hypochlorite mixture, dry, corroHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3486
Product: Calcium hypochlorite mixture, dry, corrosive, with more than 10% but not more than 39% available chlorine
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves containers
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 3486 — Calcium hypochlorite mixture, dry, corrosive, with more than 10% but not more than 39% available chlorine
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to light gray granular or powder solid with a strong chlorine odor. Corrosive oxidizing agent that decomposes in heat or moisture.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with water releasing heat and chlorine gas; may ignite combustibles on contact
Extinguishing: Do not use water or foam; use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash only
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit required; avoid all contact with skin and eyes
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves containers
— 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-mixture-dry-un-3486 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3486 Calcium hypochlorite mixture, dry, corrosive, with more than 10% but not more than 39% available chlorine Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/calcium-hypochlorite-mixture-dry-un-3486SMS / 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-mixture-dry-un-3486
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3486
It is not itself a fuel, but as an oxidizer it can intensify fire and ignite combustibles.
Yes. Moisture can release heat and chlorine-containing gases; avoid uncontrolled water contact with bulk material.
Level B with SCBA and chemical-resistant protection is recommended.
Keep dry, isolate the area, remove combustibles, and prevent contamination with fuels or acids.
UN 3486 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.