UN 1139 — Coating solution
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1139 is Coating solution, a Class 3 flammable formulation assigned to ERG Guide 127. Exact solvent hazards vary by product, so shipping papers, labels and the SDS are important for safe response.
Hazard overview: UN 1139 presents flammable vapor, flashback and sewer vapor-explosion hazards. Adhesive or coating formulations may include different solvents, resins and additives, so toxicity, foam compatibility and water behavior should be verified from the SDS.
Response guidance: For a UN 1139 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. 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 1139 should emphasize formulation variability, vapor travel, flashback, sewer explosion risk, foam compatibility and SDS verification. Common errors include assuming all adhesives/coatings use the same solvent and using non-compatible foam.
Regulatory context: Coating solution 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: Coating solution should be stored in compatible containers according to the SDS for the specific formulation, away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Use ventilation, bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.
UN 1139 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1139
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE mixture; vapor and liquid hazards vary by formulation.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Most vapors are heavier than air and may spread into low, confined or sewer areas.
- Liquid may float or spread across surfaces and carry fire into drains or waterways.
- Solvent vapors may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic combustion products depending on formulation.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Typically a clear to colored liquid with a characteristic solvent odor. Physical state is liquid at room temperature, often volatile with organic solvent base.
| Also known as | Paint solutionLacquer solutionVarnish solutionSurface coating mixtureFinishing solution |
| Appearance | Typically a clear to colored liquid with a characteristic solvent odor. Physical state is liquid at room temperature, often volatile with organic solvent base. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically -18°C to 23°C (0°F to 73°F) for Class 3 flammable liquids |
| Boiling Point | Varies by solvent composition, typically 35°C to 150°C (95°F to 302°F) depending on formulation |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 2-4 times air density), vapors will accumulate in low areas |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will float on water surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1139
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected from the SDS because adhesive/coating formulations vary.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1139 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.
- 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 127, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1139 — Coating solutionUse 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.