UN 3248 — Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3248 At a Glance
UN 3248 (Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 131. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3248 Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. is assigned to ERG Guide 131 for initial emergency response. Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature. Verify the exact product from shipping papers and SDS before selecting tactics.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards: a flammable hazardous material; vapors may form explosive mixtures and flash back. TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
Response guidance: For a UN 3248 incident, isolate the area, keep unauthorized personnel away, stay upwind/uphill and confirm the exact material from shipping papers and SDS. Eliminate ignition sources and use the listed extinguishing media; for burning gas, do not extinguish unless the leak can be stopped. Follow ERG Guide 131 and local incident command procedures.
UN 3248 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3248
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature.
| Also known as | Flammable toxic medicinal liquidPharmaceutical preparation, flammable and poisonousMedicinal compound, liquid, toxic |
| Appearance | Appearance varies widely depending on specific formulation; typically a clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically <23°C (<73°F) for Class 3 flammable liquids |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation and solvent base used |
| Vapor Density | Varies by formulation, typically >1 (heavier than air) for most organic solvent-based medicines |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though some formulations may be water-miscible or immiscible |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3248
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit due to toxic absorption hazard through skin; avoid all contact
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3248 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone 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.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the initial isolation distance in the downwind direction as needed.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3248 — Medicine, liquid, flammable, poisonous,Use 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.