☣️ UN 1039 • CLASS 2
Methyl ethyl ether
Placard: Flammable Gas. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 1039
Class: 2
Placard type: Flammable Gas
ERG: Guide 115 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions initially; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Ethyl methyl etherMethoxyethaneEMEEthane, methoxy- |
| CAS Number | 540-67-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas or liquid (below 8°C) with a sweet, ethereal odor. Highly volatile and lighter than air as a gas. |
| Flash Point | -37°C (-35°F) |
| Boiling Point | 8°C (46°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.07 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for cooling containers |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for liquid contact |
| Isolation | ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions initially; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
- Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Will form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
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UN 1039 — Methyl ethyl ether HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1039
Product: Methyl ethyl ether
Class 2 / Flammable Gas / ERG 115
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for liquid contact
ISOLATION: ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions initially; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1039 — Methyl ethyl ether
Class: 2 | Placard: Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 115
Appearance: Colorless gas or liquid (below 8°C) with a sweet, ethereal odor. Highly volatile and lighter than air as a gas.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for cooling containers
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for liquid contact
Isolation: ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions initially; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire
— Key Hazards —
• EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
• Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Will form explosive mixtures with air.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1039 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1039 Methyl ethyl ether Cls2 ERG115 | ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions initially; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/r | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1039SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1039
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FAQ
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for liquid contact
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 115 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.