☣️ UN 1239 • CLASS 6
Methyl chloromethyl ether
Placard: Toxic. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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.
Advertisement
Quick details
UN 1239
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate 100m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Chloromethyl methyl etherCMMEChlorodimethyl etherMonochlorodimethyl ether |
| CAS Number | 107-30-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -8C (18F) |
| Boiling Point | 59C (138F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.8 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Decomposes slowly in water, producing HCl and formaldehyde; avoid prolonged contact |
| Extinguishing | CO2, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A required; SCBA with full-face positive pressure; impervious suit; known human carcinogen |
| Isolation | ERG 131: isolate 100m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire |
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
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share
UN 1239 — Methyl chloromethyl ether HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1239
Product: Methyl chloromethyl ether
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full-face positive pressure; impervious suit; known human carcinogen
ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate 100m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire
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 1239 — Methyl chloromethyl ether
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Colorless liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Decomposes slowly in water, producing HCl and formaldehyde; avoid prolonged contact
Extinguishing: CO2, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full-face positive pressure; impervious suit; known human carcinogen
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate 100m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire
— 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/1239 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1239 Methyl chloromethyl ether Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1239SMS / 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/1239
Advertisement
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 A required; SCBA with full-face positive pressure; impervious suit; known human carcinogen
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.