UN 1212 — Isobutyl alcohol
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1212 is Isobutyl alcohol, a flammable alcohol or solvent-based liquid assigned to ERG Guide 129. The exact formulation matters for foam choice, vapor control and exposure protection.
Hazard overview: UN 1212 presents flammable vapor, flashback and sewer vapor-explosion hazards. Alcohol or solvent mixtures may mix with water, spread with runoff and require alcohol-resistant foam depending on formulation.
Response guidance: For a UN 1212 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 fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1212 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: Isobutyl alcohol 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: Isobutyl alcohol 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 1212 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1212
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid or solvent mixture; vapors may ignite easily.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Vapors may collect in low, confined or sewer areas depending on formulation and ventilation.
- Alcohol or solvent mixtures may be partly or fully water-miscible and can spread with runoff.
- Liquid or vapor may irritate eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, musty odor. Liquid at room temperature with low viscosity.
| Also known as | 2-Methyl-1-propanolIsobutanolIBA2-Methylpropyl alcoholIsopropylcarbinol |
| CAS Number | 78-83-1 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, musty odor. Liquid at room temperature with low viscosity. |
| Flash Point | 28°C (82°F) |
| Boiling Point | 108°C (226°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water (approximately 10% at 20°C) |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1212
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 1212 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 1212 — Isobutyl alcoholUse 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.