☣️ UN 1289 • CLASS 3
UN 1289 — Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 132. 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 1289 Quick Details
UN 1289
Product name: Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 132 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 800m downwind, consider evacuation
Common Hazards of UN 1289
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Sodium methoxide solutionMethanol sodium salt solutionSodium methanolate in methanolNaOCH3 solution |
| CAS Number | 124-41-4 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Typically supplied as 25-30% sodium methylate dissolved in methanol. |
| Flash Point | -11C (12F) (due to methanol solvent) |
| Boiling Point | 64-65C (147-149F) (methanol solvent) |
| Vapor Density | 1.1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water generating heat and methanol vapor; may cause spattering |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1289
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; alcohol-resistant foam if available
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with chemical-resistant suit; SCBA required; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 800m downwind, consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 132).
First Actions for a UN 1289 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.
- 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1289 — Sodium methylate, solution in alcoholHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1289
Product: Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 132
PPE: Level B minimum with chemical-resistant suit; SCBA required; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves
ISOLATION: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 800m downwind, consider evacuation
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 1289 — Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 132
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Typically supplied as 25-30% sodium methylate dissolved in methanol.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with water generating heat and methanol vapor; may cause spattering
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; alcohol-resistant foam if available
PPE: Level B minimum with chemical-resistant suit; SCBA required; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves
Isolation: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 800m downwind, consider evacuation
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
— 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/1289 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1289 Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol Cls3 ERG132 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1289SMS / 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/1289
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1289
Flammable/combustible material. May be 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.
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 chemical-resistant suit; SCBA required; neoprene or butyl rubber gloves
Water reactivity: Reacts with water generating heat and methanol vapor; may cause spattering. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; alcohol-resistant foam if available.
ERG Guide 132 recommendation: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 800m downwind, consider evacuation
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 132 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.