UN 1815 — Propionyl chloride
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 155. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1815 is Propionyl chloride, a Class 3 flammable corrosive acid chloride assigned to ERG Guide 155. It can flash back, react violently with water and release hydrogen chloride fumes.
Hazard overview: UN 1815 presents highly flammable vapor, explosive vapor-air mixture, water-reactive HCl fume and corrosive liquid hazards. Keep ignition sources and water away from the product.
Response guidance: For a UN 1815 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 155. 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 1815 should emphasize flammable vapor flashback, acid chloride water reaction, HCl fuming, dry-agent selection, vapor control and runoff containment. Use ERG 155, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Propionyl chloride 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: Propionyl chloride should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers/reducing agents where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1815 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1815
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and CORROSIVE acid chloride liquid; vapors may ignite easily and flash back.
- Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, including in sewers and confined spaces.
- Reacts violently with water or moist air, releasing heat and corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may spread along the ground to ignition sources.
- Liquid and fumes can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated or contaminated with water.
- Runoff may be corrosive and flammable/toxic contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fuming in moist air due to reaction with atmospheric moisture.
| Also known as | Propanoyl chloridePropionic acid chloridePropionic chloridePropionyl chloride |
| CAS Number | 79-03-8 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fuming in moist air due to reaction with atmospheric moisture. |
| Flash Point | -12C (10F) |
| Boiling Point | 80C (176F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water, releasing heat and corrosive hydrochloric acid fumes. Do not use water directly on material. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1815
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fume, dust, 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 1815 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, mist or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- Keep water and moisture away from released product unless incident command confirms a compatible cooling or control use.
- 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 155, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1815 — Propionyl chlorideUse 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.