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.
UN 1986 is Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s., a toxic flammable liquid n.o.s. entry assigned to ERG Guide 131. The exact alcohol mixture controls toxicity, skin absorption and fire behavior.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE alcohol liquid mixture; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are generally heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Response guidance: For a UN 1986 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 131. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1986 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, foam selection, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s. 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 1986 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1986
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE alcohol liquid mixture; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are generally heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Specific toxicity varies by alcohol; methanol or other toxic alcohols may cause systemic poisoning.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Exact hazards depend on the named alcohols and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
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.
| 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 |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1986
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots and eye/face protection should be selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1986 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, gas, smoke, mist or dust and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released 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 release or spill area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor accumulation, cylinder/tank heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 131, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1986 — Alcohols, flammable, poisonous, n.o.s.Use 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.