UN 2238 — Chlorotoluenes
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2238 is Chlorotoluenes, a flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 129. Vapors can travel to ignition sources and flash back, especially in drains or confined spaces.
Hazard overview: 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.
Response guidance: For a UN 2238 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 129. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2238 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, ignition control and runoff containment. Use ERG 129, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Chlorotoluenes is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental 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: Chlorotoluenes should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2238 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2238
- 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, including chlorinated or aromatic decomposition products where applicable.
- Specific solvent, epoxy, aromatic or chlorinated exposure hazards should be confirmed from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with an aromatic, sweet odor. Exists as various isomers (ortho-, meta-, para-chlorotoluene). Immiscible with water.
| Also known as | chloromethylbenzenetolyl chloridemethylchlorobenzenechlorinated toluene |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with an aromatic, sweet odor. Exists as various isomers (ortho-, meta-, para-chlorotoluene). Immiscible with water. |
| Flash Point | 47-50C (117-122F) depending on isomer |
| Boiling Point | 156-162C (313-324F) depending on isomer |
| Vapor Density | 4.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble and will float on water surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2238
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 2238 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes 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 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor spread, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 129, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2238 — ChlorotoluenesUse 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.