☣️ UN 1230 • CLASS 3
Methyl alcohol
Placard: Flammable. 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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Quick details
UN 1230
Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill area 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire threatens containers
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | MethanolWood alcoholCarbinolMethyl hydroxideWood spirit |
| CAS Number | 67-56-1 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent, alcohol-like odor. Highly volatile and miscible with water in all proportions. |
| Flash Point | 11°C (52°F) |
| Boiling Point | 64.7°C (148.5°F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.11 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; completely miscible with water |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; butyl rubber provides best protection against permeation |
| Isolation | ERG 131: isolate spill area 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire threatens containers |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 1230 — Methyl alcohol HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1230
Product: Methyl alcohol
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 131
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; butyl rubber provides best protection against permeation
ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate spill area 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire threatens containers
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 1230 — Methyl alcohol
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent, alcohol-like odor. Highly volatile and miscible with water in all proportions.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; completely miscible with water
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; butyl rubber provides best protection against permeation
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill area 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire threatens containers
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
— 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/1230 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1230 Methyl alcohol Cls3 ERG131 | ERG 131: isolate spill area 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m do | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1230SMS / 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/1230
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FAQ
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
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; chemical-resistant gloves and suit; butyl rubber provides best protection against permeation
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 131 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.