UN 1918 — Isopropylbenzene
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1918 is Isopropylbenzene, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 130. Vapors can travel along the ground, flash back and create explosion hazards in drains or confined spaces.
Hazard overview: UN 1918 presents flammable vapor, flashback, sewer vapor explosion, container rupture and toxic smoke hazards. Control ignition sources and keep runoff out of drains.
Response guidance: For a UN 1918 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 130. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1918 should emphasize vapor travel, flashback, sewer explosion, foam selection, container cooling, ignition control and toxic exposure where applicable. Use ERG 130, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Isopropylbenzene 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: Isopropylbenzene should be stored in approved flammable/toxic-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1918 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1918
- FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists in low areas, drains, sewers and confined spaces.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic smoke.
- Aromatic solvent exposure may irritate eyes/skin and affect the central nervous system.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, penetrating aromatic odor. Floats on water and is less dense than water.
| Also known as | Cumene2-PhenylpropaneIsopropyl benzeneCumolMethylethylbenzene |
| CAS Number | 98-82-8 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, penetrating aromatic odor. Floats on water and is less dense than water. |
| Flash Point | 36°C (97°F) |
| Boiling Point | 152°C (306°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble and floats on surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1918
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1918 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, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- 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, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 130, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1918 — IsopropylbenzeneUse 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.