UN 1715 — Acetic anhydride
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 137. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1715 is Acetic anhydride, a flammable corrosive liquid assigned to ERG Guide 137. Water or moisture can generate heat and acetic acid fumes, while vapors can create fire and flashback hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1715 presents flammable vapor, corrosive liquid and water-reaction hazards. Responders should avoid direct water contact with product, control ignition sources and contain corrosive runoff.
Response guidance: For a UN 1715 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 137. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1715 should emphasize corrosive/toxic exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and compatible extinguishing decisions. Use ERG 137, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Acetic anhydride 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 concentration, formulation, 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: Acetic anhydride should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated hazardous-material area according to SDS and local procedures.
UN 1715 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1715
- FLAMMABLE and CORROSIVE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Reacts with water or moisture to release heat and acetic acid fumes.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Liquid and vapor can burn or severely irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Runoff may be corrosive and may spread contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a strong, pungent, vinegar-like acetic odor. Fumes in moist air.
| Also known as | Acetyl oxideAcetic oxideEthanoic anhydrideAcetyl anhydrideAcetanhydride |
| CAS Number | 108-24-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a strong, pungent, vinegar-like acetic odor. Fumes in moist air. |
| Flash Point | 49C (120F) |
| Boiling Point | 140C (284F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing heat and acetic acid vapors. Avoid water contact. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1715
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fume, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1715 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 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, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 137, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1715 — Acetic anhydrideUse 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.