UN 1603 — Ethyl bromoacetate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 155. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1603 is Ethyl bromoacetate, a flammable toxic lachrymator liquid assigned to ERG Guide 155. It can produce irritating vapors that cause tearing while also creating vapor fire and flashback hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1603 presents flammable vapor, toxic exposure, lachrymator and skin/eye injury hazards. Vapors can travel to ignition sources, and runoff may become toxic or corrosive as the material hydrolyzes.
Response guidance: For a UN 1603 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 155. 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 1603 should emphasize flammable vapor control, lachrymator exposure, skin/eye protection, runoff containment and decontamination. Use ERG 155, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethyl bromoacetate 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, 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: Ethyl bromoacetate should be stored in compatible flammable/corrosive storage away from heat, sparks, open flames, acids or oxidizers where incompatible and unauthorized access. Use compatible containers, ventilation, bonding/grounding where required and secondary containment.
UN 1603 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1603
- FLAMMABLE and toxic liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Strong lachrymator; vapors can cause severe tearing, eye irritation and respiratory irritation.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Liquid contact may burn or injure eyes and skin.
- Slow hydrolysis may form bromoacetic acid and alcohol, creating toxic/corrosive runoff.
- Fire may produce hydrogen bromide and other toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Lachrymator (tear-producing). Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Bromoacetic acid ethyl esterEthyl α-bromoacetateEthyl monobromoacetateBromoacetic ester |
| CAS Number | 105-36-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Lachrymator (tear-producing). Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 47C (117F) |
| Boiling Point | 158-159C (316-318F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.8 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slowly hydrolyzes in water producing bromoacetic acid and ethanol; no violent reaction but avoid prolonged contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1603
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS because lachrymator effects and skin contact can be severe.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1603 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, fumes, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so and keep vapors out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- 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 155, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1603 — Ethyl bromoacetateUse 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.