UN 2611 — Propylene chlorohydrin
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2611 is Propylene chlorohydrin, a toxic flammable chlorohydrin assigned to ERG Guide 131. Skin absorption and chlorinated fire products are key hazards.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE chlorohydrin liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
Response guidance: For UN 2611, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources when flammable vapors are present and use SCBA. Keep vapors out of drains, cool containers from protection and select foam/dry chemical/CO2 from SDS and ERG 131.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2611 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, ignition control, SCBA use, decontamination, container cooling and runoff containment. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Propylene chlorohydrin is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Propylene chlorohydrin should be stored in approved compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials according to SDS.
UN 2611 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2611
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE chlorohydrin liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Runoff may carry toxic chlorinated contamination.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, sweet, somewhat chloroform-like odor. Miscible with water and most organic solvents.
| Also known as | 1-Chloro-2-propanolPropylene chlorhydrin2-Chloropropanol2-Chloro-1-propanolMonochloropropanediol |
| CAS Number | 78-89-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, sweet, somewhat chloroform-like odor. Miscible with water and most organic solvents. |
| Flash Point | 52°C (126°F) - Closed Cup |
| Boiling Point | 127-133°C (261-271°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; miscible with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2611
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2611 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 131, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2611 — Propylene chlorohydrinUse 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.