UN 3108 — Organic peroxide type E, solid
Placard: Organic Peroxide. ERG Guide 145. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3108 At a Glance
UN 3108 (Organic peroxide type E, solid) is listed as DOT Class 5 Organic Peroxide and is assigned to ERG Guide 145. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3108 is Organic peroxide type E, solid, an organic peroxide entry assigned to ERG Guide 145. Heat and contamination control are central response priorities.
Hazard overview: Thermally unstable type E organic peroxide solid; heat, contamination, friction or shock may cause rapid decomposition. May burn rapidly with a flare effect and may ignite nearby combustibles. Containers may rupture or explode when heated or if decomposition starts.
Response guidance: For UN 3108, isolate widely, keep heat/shock/friction/contamination away and cool exposed containers from protection if safe. Follow SDS temperature limits and ERG 145.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3108 should emphasize organic peroxide instability, SADT/control temperature, contamination avoidance, remote cooling, evacuation triggers and runoff control. Use ERG 145, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Organic peroxide type E, solid is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation, temperature-control status and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Organic peroxide type E, solid should be stored in approved peroxide-compatible containers away from heat, sunlight, friction, contamination, acids, bases, metals, reducing agents and combustibles.
UN 3108 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3108
- Thermally unstable type E organic peroxide solid; heat, contamination, friction or shock may cause rapid decomposition.
- May burn rapidly with a flare effect and may ignite nearby combustibles.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated or if decomposition starts.
- Contamination with acids, bases, metals, reducing agents or organic material can increase instability.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry reactive peroxide contamination.
- Exact formulation, dilution, control temperature and emergency temperature must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies by specific compound; typically white to off-white crystalline or granular solid at room temperature. May have slight characteristic organic odor. Type E peroxides are relatively stable but still require temperature control.
| Also known as | Organic peroxide type E solidClass 5.2 organic peroxide solidSelf-reactive peroxide compound solidPeroxy compound type E |
| Appearance | Varies by specific compound; typically white to off-white crystalline or granular solid at room temperature. May have slight characteristic organic odor. Type E peroxides are relatively stable but still require temperature control. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (organic peroxide - self-reactive) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally minimal reaction with water, though some organic peroxides may decompose slowly in water. Avoid contamination. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3108
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA, chemical-resistant protective clothing and distance/blast protection. Avoid contaminated PPE, friction, heat and direct contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3108 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources and keep heat, friction, shock and contamination away from the material.
- 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 145, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3108 — Organic peroxide type E, solidUse 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.