☣️ UN 1204 • CLASS 3
UN 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 1204 Quick Details
UN 1204
Product name: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard
Common Hazards of UN 1204
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Glyceryl trinitrate solution1,2,3-Propanetriol trinitrate in alcoholTrinitroglycerin solutionNG in alcohol |
| CAS Number | 55-63-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with characteristic alcohol odor. The nitroglycerin is dissolved in ethanol or other alcohol at very low concentrations (≤1%). |
| Flash Point | Approximately 13C (55F), determined by the alcohol solvent |
| Boiling Point | 78C (172F), primarily reflects the ethanol carrier |
| Vapor Density | 1.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though nitroglycerin may separate from solution |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1204
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam preferred; CO2, dry chemical also suitable
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).
First Actions for a UN 1204 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, withHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1204
Product: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations
ISOLATION: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with characteristic alcohol odor. The nitroglycerin is dissolved in ethanol or other alcohol at very low concentrations (≤1%).
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, though nitroglycerin may separate from solution
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam preferred; CO2, dry chemical also suitable
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations
Isolation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1204 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1204 Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin Cls3 ERG127 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1204SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1204
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1204
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water, though nitroglycerin may separate from solution. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam preferred; CO2, dry chemical also suitable.
ERG Guide 127 recommendation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 127 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.