UN 1090 — Acetone
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1090 is Acetone, a hazardous gas entry assigned to ERG Guide 127. Exact hazards should be verified from shipping papers, SDS and container markings before responders commit to close action.
Hazard overview: UN 1090 may present pressure, asphyxiation, frostbite, decomposition and product-specific toxicity or flammability hazards. Responders should avoid assumptions until the exact product and container condition are confirmed.
Response guidance: For a UN 1090 incident, responders should verify the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. Isolate the area, avoid low/confined spaces, use SCBA for unknown atmospheres and cool exposed containers from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1090 should emphasize compressed/liquefied gas pressure hazards, low-area vapor accumulation, frostbite, cylinder heating and toxic decomposition products during fire. Common errors include entering confined spaces without SCBA, ignoring oxygen monitoring and standing too close to heated cylinders.
Regulatory context: Acetone is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Acetone cylinders or devices should be stored secured in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from heat, physical damage and incompatible materials. Storage areas should prevent cylinder impact, valve damage, unauthorized access and gas accumulation in low or confined spaces.
UN 1090 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1090
- Compressed or liquefied gas; hazards depend on the exact product and release conditions.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning in closed or confined areas.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive or toxic decomposition products.
- Gas may collect in low or confined areas depending on vapor density.
- Use shipping papers and SDS to confirm specific hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, pungent odor. Highly volatile at room temperature with a distinctive fruity smell.
| Also known as | 2-PropanoneDimethyl ketonePropan-2-oneMethyl ketoneBeta-ketopropane |
| CAS Number | 67-64-1 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, pungent odor. Highly volatile at room temperature with a distinctive fruity smell. |
| Flash Point | -18°C (0°F) |
| Boiling Point | 56°C (133°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; no hazardous reaction. Acetone is fully soluble in water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1090
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for confined-space, high-concentration or unknown-atmosphere entry. Insulated gloves and eye/face protection are needed where liquefied gas contact is possible; final PPE should follow SDS and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1090 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid low or confined areas where gas may accumulate and displace oxygen.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Use SCBA for confined-space, high-concentration or unknown-atmosphere entry.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions for a significant release.
- Cool exposed cylinders or tanks from a protected position if fire or heat exposure is present.
- Use ERG Guide 127, shipping papers, SDS and incident command to set protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1090 — AcetoneUse 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.