UN 3230 — Self-reactive solid type F
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 149. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3230 At a Glance
UN 3230 (Self-reactive solid type F) is listed as DOT Class 4 Flammable Solid and is assigned to ERG Guide 149. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3230 is Self-reactive solid type F, a self-reactive type F solid assigned to ERG Guide 149. Heat, contamination and confinement can trigger decomposition.
Hazard overview: Self-reactive type F solid; generally lower than types B/C, but heating or contamination can still cause dangerous decomposition. May ignite and burn violently; decomposition can continue without outside oxygen. Containers may rupture or explode if heated or if decomposition begins.
Response guidance: For UN 3230, isolate the area, keep heat/friction/shock/contamination away and use SCBA from a protected position. Cool exposures if safe and follow SDS/ERG 149.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3230 should emphasize self-accelerating decomposition, temperature/control-temperature checks, contamination avoidance, remote cooling, evacuation triggers and runoff control. Use ERG 149, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Self-reactive solid type F is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation, package type and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Self-reactive solid type F should be stored in approved compatible packages away from heat, sunlight, friction, shock, contamination, acids, bases, metals and reducing agents.
UN 3230 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3230
- Self-reactive type F solid; generally lower than types B/C, but heating or contamination can still cause dangerous decomposition.
- May ignite and burn violently; decomposition can continue without outside oxygen.
- Containers may rupture or explode if heated or if decomposition begins.
- Contamination with acids, bases, metals, reducing agents or incompatible organics may increase instability.
- Fire may produce large volumes of irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases.
- Runoff may carry reactive residue and contaminated decomposition products.
- Exact formulation, dilution, package size and temperature limits must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid material that may vary in color and form depending on specific formulation. Self-reactive solids are thermally unstable substances capable of undergoing vigorous exothermic decomposition without oxygen participation.
| Also known as | Self-reactive solid type FOrganic peroxide type F solidClass 4.1 self-reactive materialTemperature controlled self-reactive substance |
| Appearance | Solid material that may vary in color and form depending on specific formulation. Self-reactive solids are thermally unstable substances capable of undergoing vigorous exothermic decomposition without oxygen participation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-reactive solid, decomposes before traditional flash point) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant water reactivity, but decomposition products may be hazardous; avoid uncontrolled contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3230
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA, full protective clothing and distance/blast protection. Avoid contaminated PPE, friction, heat and direct contact with reactive residue.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3230 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.
- Keep heat, sparks, 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, spilled material or residue without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated runoff, dust, liquid and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 149, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3230 — Self-reactive solid type FUse 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.