☣️ UN 3483 • CLASS 6
UN 3483 — Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, flammable
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. 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 3483 covers flammable motor fuel anti-knock mixtures, historically associated with highly toxic lead-containing fuel additives.
Hazard overview: The material is both toxic and flammable. Vapors may form explosive mixtures, and liquid contact can allow dangerous absorption through skin.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources, prevent runoff, and use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO2. Use water spray for cooling only.
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UN 3483 Quick Details
UN 3483
Product name: Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, flammable
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 131 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if tank/railcar involved in fire
Common Hazards of UN 3483
- 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
It is a clear to amber liquid with a characteristic sweet or aromatic odor.
| Also known as | Tetraethyl lead anti-knock compoundTEL anti-knock mixtureGasoline additive anti-knockLead alkyl anti-knock fluid |
| Appearance | Clear to amber liquid with a characteristic sweet or aromatic odor. Highly toxic organo-lead compound mixture used as gasoline additive. |
| Flash Point | -18C (0F) typical |
| Boiling Point | 110-200C (230-392F) range depending on formulation |
| Vapor Density | 7-8 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will float forming toxic vapors |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3483
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A or B required; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit; no skin contact - absorbed through skin causing severe lead poisoning
Level A or B with SCBA and a chemical-resistant suit is recommended. Avoid all skin contact because severe systemic toxicity is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if tank/railcar involved in fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 131).
First Actions for a UN 3483 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.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the downwind precautionary distance as conditions require.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3483 — Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, flammableHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3483
Product: Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, flammable
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level A or B required; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit; no skin contact - absorbed through skin causing severe lead poisoning
ISOLATION: ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if tank/railcar involved in fire
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 3483 — Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, flammable
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Clear to amber liquid with a characteristic sweet or aromatic odor. Highly toxic organo-lead compound mixture used as gasoline additive.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will float forming toxic vapors
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A or B required; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit; no skin contact - absorbed through skin causing severe lead poisoning
Isolation: ERG 131: Isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 300m downwind if tank/railcar involved in fire
— Key Hazards —
• 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).
— 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/motor-fuel-anti-knock-un-3483 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3483 Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, flammable Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/motor-fuel-anti-knock-un-3483SMS / 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/motor-fuel-anti-knock-un-3483
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3483
Yes. It is a flammable liquid and vapors may ignite or flash back.
No significant reaction is expected, but runoff can spread toxic contamination.
Level A or B with SCBA and chemical-resistant protection is recommended.
Isolate at least 50 m, stay upwind, remove ignition sources, and prevent skin contact or runoff.
UN 3483 is assigned to ERG Guide 131 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.