UN 1649 — Motor fuel anti-knock mixture
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1649 is Motor fuel anti-knock mixture, a highly toxic organolead anti-knock liquid assigned to ERG Guide 152. It is combustible and can be absorbed through skin, making decontamination and runoff control critical.
Hazard overview: UN 1649 presents organolead poisoning, skin absorption, heavy vapor and lead-contamination hazards. It may burn under fire conditions and can leave persistent toxic residue in runoff and equipment.
Response guidance: For a UN 1649 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 152. 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 1649 should emphasize organolead skin absorption, vapor control, lead contamination, decontamination, runoff containment and ignition control. Use ERG 152, SDS and hazmat SOP.
Regulatory context: Motor fuel anti-knock mixture 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: Motor fuel anti-knock mixture should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, ventilated toxic/combustible liquid area away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and unauthorized access. Secondary containment should account for persistent lead contamination.
UN 1649 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1649
- HIGHLY TOXIC organolead liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite as readily as gasoline.
- Vapors are much heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Skin contact can be a major exposure route; contaminated clothing and equipment can continue exposure.
- Fire may produce toxic lead fumes and irritating combustion products.
- Runoff may spread persistent lead contamination.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. Volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | Tetraethyl lead (TEL)Lead tetraethylAnti-knock compoundEthyl fluidTEL additive |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. Volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 73C (163F) |
| Boiling Point | 200C (392F) with decomposition |
| Vapor Density | 6.7 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water but immiscible; hydrolyzes slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1649
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and fully protective chemical clothing selected by hazmat specialists. Level A may be needed for close entry because organolead liquids can absorb through intact skin and contaminate clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1649 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.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- 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 dust, vapor, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 152, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1649 — Motor fuel anti-knock mixtureUse 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.