UN 3475 — Ethanol and motor spirit mixture, with more than 10% ethanol
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3475 At a Glance
UN 3475 (Ethanol and motor spirit mixture, with more than 10% ethanol) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 127. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3475 covers ethanol and motor spirit mixtures with more than 10% ethanol, including many gasoline-alcohol fuel blends.
Hazard overview: The main hazard is rapid ignition. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, travel to ignition sources, and create sewer or confined-space explosion risks.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, stay upwind, eliminate ignition sources, and use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO2. Use water spray only for cooling containers.
UN 3475 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3475
- 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
Ethanol and motor spirit mixture, with more than 10% ethanol, is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic gasoline/alcohol odor and is volatile flammable liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | GasoholE15E85Ethanol-gasoline blendFlex fuelBioethanol fuel mixture |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic gasoline/alcohol odor. Volatile flammable liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -43C (-45F) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, 56-215C depending on blend ratio |
| Vapor Density | 2-4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; partially water-miscible due to ethanol content |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3475
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with SCBA, chemical-resistant gloves, and flame-resistant protective clothing is appropriate when vapors, fire, or spill exposure is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3475 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 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 3475 — Ethanol and motor spirit mixture, with mUse 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.