UN 1830 — Sulphuric acid, with more than 51% acid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 137. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1830 is Sulphuric acid, with more than 51% acid, a Class 8 corrosive acid assigned to ERG Guide 137. It can cause severe burns and may generate intense heat when diluted with water.
Hazard overview: UN 1830 presents severe acid burns, heat-on-dilution, corrosive mist and acidic-runoff hazards. Contact with some metals may release flammable hydrogen gas.
Response guidance: For a UN 1830 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 1830 should emphasize strong acid burns, heat from dilution, fume control, incompatibility with organics/metals where relevant, runoff containment and decontamination. Use ERG 137, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Sulphuric acid, with more than 51% acid 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: Sulphuric acid, with more than 51% acid should be stored in compatible acid-resistant containers with secondary containment, away from water, bases, organics, combustibles, reducing agents where incompatible, reactive metals and unauthorized access. Keep containers closed and protected from heat and contamination.
UN 1830 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1830
- CORROSIVE sulfuric acid material; skin, eye or respiratory contact may cause severe burns.
- Dilution with water can generate intense heat, boiling and spattering.
- Contact with some metals may release flammable hydrogen gas.
- Fire or heating may produce sulfur oxides and irritating/corrosive mist.
- Runoff may be strongly acidic, corrosive and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Keep incompatible organics, bases and reactive metals away.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to slightly yellow, oily liquid with no odor or a slight pungent odor. Highly corrosive and hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from air.
| Also known as | Oil of vitriolBattery acidHydrogen sulfateVitriolDipping acid |
| CAS Number | 7664-93-9 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellow, oily liquid with no odor or a slight pungent odor. Highly corrosive and hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 290C (554F) - decomposes at higher concentrations |
| Vapor Density | 3.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water generating extreme heat and splattering - ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER, never reverse |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1830
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS for corrosive contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1830 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.
- 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 1830 — Sulphuric acid, with more than 51% acidUse 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.