UN 1737 — Benzyl bromide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 156. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1737 is Benzyl bromide, a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 156. Responders should verify the exact product with shipping papers, package markings and SDS before close action.
Hazard overview: UN 1737 presents corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive hazards depending on the product and incident conditions. Use ERG, SDS and incident command to set isolation, PPE and control actions.
Response guidance: For a UN 1737 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 156. 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 1737 should emphasize corrosive/toxic exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and compatible extinguishing decisions. Use ERG 156, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Benzyl bromide 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: Benzyl bromide 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 1737 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1737
- TOXIC material; may be harmful or fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic contamination and may pollute waterways.
- Specific toxicity should be confirmed from shipping papers and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pleasant, aromatic odor. Lachrymator (causes tearing). Denser than water and insoluble in water.
| Also known as | alpha-BromotolueneBromomethylbenzene(Bromomethyl)benzenePhenylmethyl bromide |
| CAS Number | 100-39-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pleasant, aromatic odor. Lachrymator (causes tearing). Denser than water and insoluble in water. |
| Flash Point | 79C (174F) |
| Boiling Point | 198-199C (388-390F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.8 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water, releasing HBr (hydrobromic acid) fumes; reaction accelerates with heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1737
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use protective equipment selected from SDS, monitoring results and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1737 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 156, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1737 — Benzyl bromideUse 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.