UN 1999 — Asphalt, cut back
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1999 is Asphalt, cut back, a flammable or combustible asphalt product assigned to ERG Guide 130. Solvent vapors, hot viscous material and dense smoke are the main response issues.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE/combustible asphalt cutback liquid; solvent vapors may ignite when heated or spilled. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Hot or viscous material can cause thermal burns and cling to skin, tools and PPE.
Response guidance: For a UN 1999 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 130. 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 1999 should emphasize fire behavior, exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, evacuation, runoff control and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 130, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Asphalt, cut back 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: Asphalt, cut back 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 1999 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1999
- FLAMMABLE/combustible asphalt cutback liquid; solvent vapors may ignite when heated or spilled.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Hot or viscous material can cause thermal burns and cling to skin, tools and PPE.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Fire may produce dense irritating smoke, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon decomposition products.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Solvent carrier and application temperature should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Black or dark brown viscous liquid with a petroleum/solvent odor. Liquid at room temperature, consistency varies depending on the cutback solvent used.
| Also known as | Cut-back asphaltCutback bitumenAsphalt cutbackLiquid asphaltFluxed asphalt |
| Appearance | Black or dark brown viscous liquid with a petroleum/solvent odor. Liquid at room temperature, consistency varies depending on the cutback solvent used. |
| Flash Point | -18°C to 66°C (0°F to 150°F) depending on solvent type and ratio |
| Boiling Point | 150°C to 315°C (302°F to 600°F) depending on solvent composition |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 3-5) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; floats on water surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1999
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1999 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 130, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1999 — Asphalt, cut backUse 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.