UN 1589 — Cyanogen chloride, stabilized
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 125. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1589 is Cyanogen chloride, stabilized, a toxic hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 125. Responders should verify the exact product with shipping papers, package markings and SDS before close action.
Hazard overview: UN 1589 presents toxic exposure hazards by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Fire, decomposition or runoff may produce toxic contamination and require air monitoring, isolation and decontamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1589 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 125. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1589 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and preventing contaminated runoff. Use ERG 125, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Cyanogen chloride, stabilized is regulated as a toxic hazardous material. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, 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: Cyanogen chloride, stabilized should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area according to SDS and local hazardous materials procedures.
UN 1589 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1589
- TOXIC gas or liquefied gas; inhalation may be fatal.
- Vapors may be heavier than air and collect in low or confined areas.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite and chemical injury.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Cylinders or containers may rupture or vent when heated.
- Runoff or water spray may carry toxic contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless compressed gas or liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Highly toxic and corrosive. Liquefied gas form appears as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid.
| Also known as | Chlorine cyanideChlorocyanChlorocyanogenCK (military designation)Cyanogen monochloride |
| CAS Number | 506-77-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless compressed gas or liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Highly toxic and corrosive. Liquefied gas form appears as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (gas) |
| Boiling Point | 13C (55F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water forming hydrochloric acid and other corrosive products. Hydrolyzes in moisture. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1589
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protective clothing selected by hazmat specialists for any vapor, liquid or unknown exposure. Level A is often appropriate for close entry because toxic vapor and skin absorption hazards may be severe.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1589 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.
- Many vapors are heavier than air; avoid low areas, basements, trenches and confined spaces.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if a flammable component is present and it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Isolate the leak area and expand protective actions downwind based on monitoring, wind and ERG Table 1 when applicable.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 125, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1589 — Cyanogen chloride, stabilizedUse 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.