UN 3270 — Nitrocellulose membrane filters
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3270 At a Glance
UN 3270 (Nitrocellulose membrane filters) is listed as DOT Class 4 Flammable Solid and is assigned to ERG Guide 133. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3270 is Nitrocellulose membrane filters, a flammable nitrocellulose membrane entry assigned to ERG Guide 133. Dryness, friction and re-ignition are key hazards.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE nitrocellulose membrane material; dry filters can ignite from heat, sparks or friction. May burn rapidly with flare-burning behavior. Dry sheets, discs or dust can spread fire quickly; wetted material is generally less ignitable.
Response guidance: For UN 3270, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact controls with SDS and ERG 133.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3270 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitrocellulose membrane filters is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitrocellulose membrane filters should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3270 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3270
- FLAMMABLE nitrocellulose membrane material; dry filters can ignite from heat, sparks or friction.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning behavior.
- Dry sheets, discs or dust can spread fire quickly; wetted material is generally less ignitable.
- Heating or fire may produce nitrogen oxides and irritating/toxic smoke.
- May re-ignite if hot or partially burned material remains.
- Runoff may carry contaminated cellulose nitrate residue.
- Condition, moisture content and packaging must be verified.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow solid membrane or filter material, odorless or slight chemical odor. Typically supplied as thin sheets or discs in dry or wetted condition.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateNitrated celluloseCollodion cottonPyroxylinGuncotton (high nitrogen content)NC membranes |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow solid membrane or filter material, odorless or slight chemical odor. Typically supplied as thin sheets or discs in dry or wetted condition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-reactive solid, ignites readily at 160-170C) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; wetting with water increases stability and reduces fire risk |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3270
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3270 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 133, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3270 — Nitrocellulose membrane filtersUse 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.