UN 1719 — Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1719 is Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s., a corrosive strong-base liquid assigned to ERG Guide 154. Exact composition varies, but skin, eye and respiratory burns are the primary hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1719 presents caustic burn, alkaline mist and corrosive runoff hazards. Dilution can generate heat, and contact with some metals may release flammable hydrogen gas.
Response guidance: For a UN 1719 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 154. 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 1719 should emphasize caustic burn hazards, heat from dilution, mist control, eye protection, runoff containment and metal/hydrogen incompatibility. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. 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: Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. should be stored in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment, away from acids, reactive metals where incompatible, ammonium salts where incompatible and unauthorized access. Keep containers closed and protected from impact or heat.
UN 1719 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1719
- CORROSIVE caustic liquid; skin, eye or respiratory contact may cause severe burns.
- Mist or spray can damage eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Generally non-flammable, but may react with some metals to release flammable hydrogen gas.
- Dilution with water may generate heat and splattering, especially with concentrated solutions.
- Runoff may be strongly alkaline and corrosive.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Exact hazards depend on the specific caustic alkali and concentration.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to colored liquid, variable odor depending on specific alkali. Corrosive solution of various alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or other strong bases.
| Appearance | Clear to colored liquid, variable odor depending on specific alkali. Corrosive solution of various alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or other strong bases. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically above 100C (212F) depending on concentration and specific alkali |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (low volatility aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally miscible with water; may generate heat on dilution. Do not add water directly to concentrated solutions. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1719
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for mist, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS for corrosive liquid contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1719 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.
- 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 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1719 — Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.Use 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.