UN 1510 — Tetranitromethane
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 143. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1510 is Tetranitromethane, a toxic reactive liquid assigned to ERG Guide 143. It combines toxic vapor exposure with oxidizer and shock/heat sensitivity, so it should not be treated as an ordinary poison spill.
Hazard overview: UN 1510 presents toxic inhalation, reactive oxidizer and explosion hazards. Vapors are heavy, fire can produce toxic nitrogen oxides, and heat, friction or contamination can increase violent reaction risk.
Response guidance: For a UN 1510 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 143. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1510 should emphasize extreme toxicity, oxidizer reactivity, shock/heat sensitivity, vapor control and evacuation decisions. Common errors include treating it like an ordinary toxic liquid or ignoring explosion risk. Use ERG 143, SDS and hazmat SOP.
Regulatory context: Tetranitromethane is regulated as a toxic hazardous material. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by concentration, 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: Tetranitromethane should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from food, combustibles where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Prevent dust release, leaks and contaminated runoff.
UN 1510 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1510
- TOXIC and reactive oxidizing liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury or death.
- May explode from friction, heat, shock or contamination.
- Can intensify fire and may react violently with fuels, hydrocarbons, reducing agents or contamination.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or poorly ventilated areas.
- Fire may produce highly toxic nitrogen oxides and other irritating gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Runoff may create toxic, oxidizing and environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly unstable and shock-sensitive oxidizer that is denser than water.
| Also known as | TNMTetranitromethaneCarbon tetranitrideTetan |
| CAS Number | 509-14-8 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly unstable and shock-sensitive oxidizer that is denser than water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer, not flammable but supports combustion) |
| Boiling Point | 126C (259F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.9 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water producing nitric acid; avoid prolonged contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1510
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protection selected by hazmat specialists for vapor, liquid, fire or unknown exposure. Distance, monitoring and explosion-risk control are critical because PPE does not protect against blast hazards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1510 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 143, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1510 — TetranitromethaneUse 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.