☣️ UN 1700 • CLASS 6
Tear gas grenades
Placard: Toxic. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 1700
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 159 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Tear gas grenadesCS grenadesCN grenadesLachrymatory agent grenadesRiot control grenades |
| Appearance | Tear gas grenades are solid devices containing various irritant chemicals (commonly CS or CN compounds). The active agents are typically white to pale yellow crystalline solids that produce an irritating aerosol or smoke when deployed. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (deployed as aerosol/particulate) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; water may help disperse aerosol |
| Extinguishing | Do not use water or foam on intact devices; use dry chemical, CO2, or sand for fires |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure |
| Isolation | ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.
- May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).
- May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
- Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes.
- Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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UN 1700 — Tear gas grenades HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1700
Product: Tear gas grenades
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 159
PPE: Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure
ISOLATION: ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1700 — Tear gas grenades
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 159
Appearance: Tear gas grenades are solid devices containing various irritant chemicals (commonly CS or CN compounds). The active agents are typically white to pale yellow crystalline solids that produce an irritating aerosol or smoke when deployed.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; water may help disperse aerosol
Extinguishing: Do not use water or foam on intact devices; use dry chemical, CO2, or sand for fires
PPE: Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure
Isolation: ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.
• May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).
• May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1700 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1700 Tear gas grenades Cls6 ERG159 | ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolat | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1700SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1700
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FAQ
Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating. May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears). May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes. Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 159 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.