UN 1604 — Ethylenediamine
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 132. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1604 is Ethylenediamine, a flammable corrosive amine liquid assigned to ERG Guide 132. It combines vapor fire risk with alkaline/corrosive burns to eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
Hazard overview: UN 1604 presents flammable vapor, flashback, corrosive liquid and toxic smoke hazards. Water mixing can generate heat and alkaline runoff, while vapors may collect in low areas.
Response guidance: For a UN 1604 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 132. 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 1604 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, amine/corrosive exposure, alkaline runoff, SCBA use and foam compatibility. Use ERG 132, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethylenediamine 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: Ethylenediamine 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 1604 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1604
- FLAMMABLE and corrosive amine liquid; may ignite from heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Liquid and vapor can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Mixing with water can generate heat and alkaline/corrosive runoff.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to yellowish liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and miscible with water.
| Also known as | 1,2-DiaminoethaneEDA1,2-EthanediamineEdamine |
| CAS Number | 107-15-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and miscible with water. |
| Flash Point | 34°C (93°F) |
| Boiling Point | 117°C (243°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.07 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; generates heat when mixed but no violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1604
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 liquid and vapor can burn tissue.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1604 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 132, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1604 — EthylenediamineUse 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.