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 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.