UN 1293 — Tinctures, medicinal
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1293 is Tinctures, medicinal, a flammable formulated liquid assigned to ERG Guide 127. Because formulations vary, responders should check SDS for solvent content, additive hazards and foam compatibility.
Hazard overview: UN 1293 presents flammable solvent vapor, flashback and contaminated-runoff hazards. Resins, pigments, rubber, alcohols or solvent blends can vary, so toxicity and fire-control choices should be confirmed from product documents.
Response guidance: For a UN 1293 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. 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 1293 should emphasize formulation variability, vapor travel, flashback, sewer explosion risk, foam compatibility and SDS verification. Common errors include assuming all paints/inks/rubber solutions use the same solvent blend and allowing contaminated runoff into drains.
Regulatory context: Tinctures, medicinal 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: Tinctures, medicinal 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 1293 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1293
- FLAMMABLE formulation; exact solvent and additive hazards vary by product.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Most vapors are heavier than air and may spread into low, confined or sewer areas.
- Pigments, resins, rubber, alcohols or other additives may change toxicity, runoff and foam compatibility.
- Liquid may float, spread or form layers depending on formulation.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to amber-colored liquids with characteristic odor of ethanol and medicinal herbs or botanicals. These are alcohol-based pharmaceutical preparations containing dissolved plant extracts or medicinal substances.
| Also known as | Medicinal tincturesAlcoholic extractsPharmaceutical tincturesHerbal tincturesEthanol-based medicines |
| Appearance | Clear to amber-colored liquids with characteristic odor of ethanol and medicinal herbs or botanicals. These are alcohol-based pharmaceutical preparations containing dissolved plant extracts or medicinal substances. |
| Flash Point | -18C to 13C (0F to 55F) depending on ethanol concentration, typically 20-90% alcohol |
| Boiling Point | 78C to 100C (172F to 212F) depending on alcohol/water ratio |
| Vapor Density | 1.6 (heavier than air due to ethanol vapors) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; miscible with water but dilutes flammability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1293
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 from SDS; avoid skin contact with liquid and contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1293 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.
- Identify the specific formulation from labels or SDS before choosing foam, decontamination or runoff controls.
- 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 127, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1293 — Tinctures, medicinalUse 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.