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 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.