UN 1136 — Coal tar distillates, flammable
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1136 is Coal tar distillates, flammable, a Class 3 flammable aromatic hydrocarbon mixture assigned to ERG Guide 128. Composition varies by fraction, so responders should verify hazards from SDS and shipping papers.
Hazard overview: UN 1136 presents flammable vapor, flashback and toxic smoke hazards. Coal tar distillates may contain aromatic compounds that irritate skin and respiratory tissue, and spilled liquid may spread on water or into drains.
Response guidance: For a UN 1136 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 128. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors or runoff out of sewers and use compatible Class B fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1136 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 128, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Coal tar distillates, flammable is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Coal tar distillates, flammable should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials, with bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.
UN 1136 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1136
- FLAMMABLE aromatic hydrocarbon mixture; composition and toxicity vary by fraction.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
- Liquid may float or spread on water and carry fire across surfaces.
- Skin or vapor exposure may cause irritation and some coal tar fractions may contain hazardous polycyclic aromatic compounds.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Dark brown to black oily liquid with a characteristic naphthalene or aromatic odor. Mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons derived from coal tar distillation.
| Also known as | Coal tar naphthaSolvent naphtha (coal tar)Creosote oil lightCoal tar light oilTar distillate |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black oily liquid with a characteristic naphthalene or aromatic odor. Mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons derived from coal tar distillation. |
| Flash Point | Varies by fraction, typically 0-38C (32-100F) for light distillates |
| Boiling Point | Wide range 150-300C (302-572F) depending on distillation fraction |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (vapor density >3) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; floats and may spread on water surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1136
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves and splash protection are recommended because aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures can irritate skin and may contain hazardous components.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1136 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled liquid unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin or eye contact with liquid.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For large spills, fire involvement or strong vapor movement, expand isolation and consider downwind evacuation based on monitoring and incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 128, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1136 — Coal tar distillates, flammableUse 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.