☣️ UN 1986 • CLASS 3
UN 1986 — Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 1986 Quick Details
UN 1986
Product name: Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 131 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 131: Small spill isolate 50m; large spill isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind initially
Common Hazards of UN 1986
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Flammable toxic alcoholsPoisonous alcohol mixturesToxic alcohol solutionsFlammable alcohol blends n.o.s. |
| Appearance | Variable depending on specific alcohol(s); typically clear to colored liquids with characteristic alcohol odor. Most are mobile liquids at room temperature with varying degrees of toxicity. |
| Flash Point | Varies by composition; typically below 23°C (73°F) as Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Boiling Point | Varies by specific alcohol mixture; typically 60-200°C (140-392°F) range |
| Vapor Density | Generally greater than 1 (heavier than air); specific gravity varies by alcohol type |
| Water Reactivity | Most alcohols are miscible or soluble in water; no violent reaction expected |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1986
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam required; dry chemical, CO2 also effective
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; face shield; severe toxicity hazard requires full body protection
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 131: Small spill isolate 50m; large spill isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind initially
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 131).
First Actions for a UN 1986 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 1986 — Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1986
Product: Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 131
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; face shield; severe toxicity hazard requires full body protection
ISOLATION: ERG 131: Small spill isolate 50m; large spill isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind initially
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1986 — Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Variable depending on specific alcohol(s); typically clear to colored liquids with characteristic alcohol odor. Most are mobile liquids at room temperature with varying degrees of toxicity.
Water Reactivity: Most alcohols are miscible or soluble in water; no violent reaction expected
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam required; dry chemical, CO2 also effective
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; face shield; severe toxicity hazard requires full body protection
Isolation: ERG 131: Small spill isolate 50m; large spill isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind initially
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1986 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1986 Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1986SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1986
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1986
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; face shield; severe toxicity hazard requires full body protection
Water reactivity: Most alcohols are miscible or soluble in water; no violent reaction expected. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam required; dry chemical, CO2 also effective.
ERG Guide 131 recommendation: ERG 131: Small spill isolate 50m; large spill isolate 800m and evacuate 800m downwind initially
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 131 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.