UN 1307 — Xylenes
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1307 is Xylenes, a Class 3 flammable aromatic hydrocarbon liquid assigned to ERG Guide 130. It is a common solvent-style hazard with heavy vapors, flashback risk and toxic smoke during fire.
Hazard overview: UN 1307 presents flammable vapor, flashback and aromatic hydrocarbon exposure hazards. Vapors may collect in low areas, spilled liquid may float on water, and fire can produce irritating or toxic smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 1307 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 130. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors, dust or runoff out of drains where relevant, and use compatible fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1307 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 130, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Xylenes 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: Xylenes 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 1307 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1307
- FLAMMABLE aromatic hydrocarbon liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
- Liquid may float on water and spread fire across surfaces.
- Vapor exposure may cause dizziness, headache or respiratory irritation.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor similar to toluene. Exists as a mixture of three isomers (ortho, meta, and para-xylene) at room temperature.
| Also known as | XyleneDimethylbenzeneXylolMixed xylenesMethyltoluene |
| CAS Number | 1330-20-7 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor similar to toluene. Exists as a mixture of three isomers (ortho, meta, and para-xylene) at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 27-32°C (81-90°F) depending on isomer composition |
| Boiling Point | 137-144°C (279-291°F) depending on isomer mix |
| Vapor Density | 3.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water, floats on surface. No significant reaction with water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1307
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 1307 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.
- 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 130, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1307 — XylenesUse 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.