UN 1203 — Motor spirit
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1203 is Motor spirit, a Class 3 flammable petroleum liquid assigned to ERG Guide 128. It is commonly known as gasoline or petrol and is a high-priority response hazard because vapors can travel, flash back and explode in confined spaces.
Hazard overview: UN 1203 presents severe flammable vapor, flashback, sewer/basement explosion and tank-heating hazards. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can ignite far from the spill, while liquid can float on water and spread fire.
Response guidance: For a UN 1203 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 fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1203 should emphasize vapor-cloud travel, flashback, sewer/basement explosion risk, tank fire behavior, foam application and runoff control. Common errors include standing downwind, using water streams that spread fuel and underestimating vapors far from the spill.
Regulatory context: Motor spirit 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: Motor spirit 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 1203 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1203
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE liquid and vapor; will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel long distances to ignition sources or collect in sewers.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors, in tanks, basements and sewers.
- Liquid floats on water and may spread fire across surfaces or waterways.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Containers, tanks or vehicles may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow or light amber liquid with characteristic petroleum/gasoline odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | GasolinePetrolMotor gasolineAutomotive fuelMogas |
| CAS Number | 86290-81-5 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow or light amber liquid with characteristic petroleum/gasoline odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -43°C (-45°F) |
| Boiling Point | 39°C to 204°C (102°F to 399°F) - mixture with variable boiling range |
| Vapor Density | 3-4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; floats and forms flammable layer on surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1203
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 SDS; avoid skin contact with petroleum liquids and contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1203 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.
- Keep vapors and runoff out of basements, sewers, drains and waterways.
- 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 1203 — Motor spiritUse 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.