UN 1176 — Ethyl borate
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1176 is Ethyl borate, a Class 3 flammable borate ester assigned to ERG Guide 129. It can ignite easily and may slowly hydrolyze with water to form ethanol and boric acid.
Hazard overview: UN 1176 presents flammable vapor, flashback and container-heating hazards. Water contact is not normally violent but may hydrolyze the product, so runoff and product behavior should be checked against the SDS.
Response guidance: For a UN 1176 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 129. 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 1176 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 129, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethyl borate 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: Ethyl borate 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 1176 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1176
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back.
- Hydrolysis may occur with water, producing alcohol and boric acid products, but not usually a violent water reaction.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce irritating combustion products.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a mild, characteristic odor. Relatively mobile liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Triethyl borateBoric acid triethyl esterTriethoxyboranEthyl orthoborate |
| CAS Number | 150-46-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a mild, characteristic odor. Relatively mobile liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -12C (10F) |
| Boiling Point | 118C (244F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water producing ethanol and boric acid; reaction is not violent |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1176
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 using SDS, product concentration and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1176 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 129, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1176 — Ethyl borateUse 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.