UN 1897 — Tetrachloroethylene
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 160. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1897 is Tetrachloroethylene, a toxic halogenated liquid assigned to ERG Guide 160. Heavy vapor can collect in low or confined spaces and liquid may sink in water.
Hazard overview: UN 1897 presents toxic vapor, low-area accumulation, dense-liquid contamination and toxic decomposition hazards in fire. Heating may produce phosgene-type and hydrogen halide gases.
Response guidance: For a UN 1897 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 160. 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 1897 should emphasize toxic solvent vapor behavior, low-area accumulation, skin exposure, decomposition gas hazards, air monitoring and runoff containment. Use ERG 160, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Tetrachloroethylene 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 formulation, concentration, 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: Tetrachloroethylene should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, well-ventilated toxic-solvent area away from heat, ignition sources where applicable, strong oxidizers, reactive metals where incompatible and drains.
UN 1897 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1897
- TOXIC halogenated liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas, causing dizziness or asphyxiation risk.
- Liquid is denser than water and may sink, spreading contamination below the surface.
- Usually non-flammable or not readily flammable, but heating or fire may produce phosgene-type and hydrogen halide gases.
- Skin and eye contact may irritate or burn depending on concentration and exposure.
- Runoff may carry toxic chlorinated solvent contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, non-flammable liquid with a sweet, ether-like or chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and will sink.
| Also known as | PerchloroethylenePCEPercTetrachloroetheneEthylene tetrachloridePercleneTetracap |
| CAS Number | 127-18-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless, non-flammable liquid with a sweet, ether-like or chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and will sink. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 121°C (250°F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.8 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; low solubility |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1897
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS to prevent solvent skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1897 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 160, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1897 — TetrachloroethyleneUse 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.