UN 3088 — Self-heating solid, organic, n.o.s.
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3088 is Self-heating solid, organic, n.o.s., a broad self-heating organic solid assigned to ERG Guide 135. Package condition and heat buildup drive risk.
Hazard overview: SELF-HEATING organic solid, n.o.s.; may heat and ignite without an external flame under poor heat dissipation. Large piles, damaged packaging or contamination can accelerate self-heating. May burn rapidly once ignited and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
Response guidance: For UN 3088, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where vapor, dust, mist or fire is present. Contain runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 135.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3088 should emphasize product verification, incompatible media, dust control, SCBA use, runoff containment and escalation criteria. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Self-heating solid, organic, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Self-heating solid, organic, n.o.s. should be stored dry in tightly closed compatible containers away from heat, sparks, friction, moisture, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Keep compatible dry media available.
UN 3088 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3088
- SELF-HEATING organic solid, n.o.s.; may heat and ignite without an external flame under poor heat dissipation.
- Large piles, damaged packaging or contamination can accelerate self-heating.
- May burn rapidly once ignited and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Dust may irritate or contribute to fire spread depending on product.
- Fire may produce toxic organic smoke.
- Runoff or debris may carry heated or contaminated residue.
- Exact product and package condition must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific material; typically a dry solid powder, granules, or flakes that may be white, tan, brown, or other colors. Materials in this category are prone to spontaneous heating and ignition when exposed to air or moisture.
| Also known as | Self-heating organic solidSpontaneously combustible organic solidPyrophoric organic material |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific material; typically a dry solid powder, granules, or flakes that may be white, tan, brown, or other colors. Materials in this category are prone to spontaneous heating and ignition when exposed to air or moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-heating solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes or ignites before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May ignite on contact with moisture or water; avoid water application unless specifically recommended for the material |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3088
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust or smoke. Wear flame/heat-resistant and chemical-resistant protection; avoid dust and incompatible media.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3088 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, gas, 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 135, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3088 — Self-heating solid, organic, n.o.s.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.