☣️ UN 1259 • CLASS 6

Nickel carbonyl

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.
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Quick details
UN 1259
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; initial evacuation 300m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider initial evacuation for 1600m
Chemical & Response Details
Also known asNickel tetracarbonylTetracarbonylnickelNickel carbonyl (Ni(CO)4)NCO
CAS Number13463-39-3
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a musty, sooty odor. Highly toxic organometallic compound that readily vaporizes at room temperature.
Flash Point-20C (-4F)
Boiling Point43C (109F)
Vapor Density5.9 (much heavier than air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water, but hydrolyzes slowly in moist air forming toxic nickel compounds and carbon monoxide
ExtinguishingCO2, dry chemical, or water spray; alcohol-resistant foam may be used; avoid direct water stream on liquid
PPE⚠️ Level A required for significant exposures; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at very low concentrations; specialized chemical-resistant materials needed
IsolationERG 131: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; initial evacuation 300m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider initial evacuation for 1600m
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 1259 — Nickel carbonyl
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1259 Product: Nickel carbonyl Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131 PPE: Level A required for significant exposures; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at very low concentrations; specialized chemical-resistant materials needed ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; initial evacuation 300m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider initial evacuation for 1600m ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1259 — Nickel carbonyl Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a musty, sooty odor. Highly toxic organometallic compound that readily vaporizes at room temperature. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but hydrolyzes slowly in moist air forming toxic nickel compounds and carbon monoxide Extinguishing: CO2, dry chemical, or water spray; alcohol-resistant foam may be used; avoid direct water stream on liquid PPE: Level A required for significant exposures; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at very low concentrations; specialized chemical-resistant materials needed Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; initial evacuation 300m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider initial evacuation for 1600m — 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/1259 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN1259 Nickel carbonyl Cls6 ERG131 | ERG 131: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directi | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1259SMS / 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/1259
Related UN numbers (same class)
Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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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 A required for significant exposures; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at very low concentrations; specialized chemical-resistant materials needed

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.