UN 2831 — Trichloroethane
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 160. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2831 is Trichloroethane, a toxic chlorinated solvent entry assigned to ERG Guide 160. Heavy vapor, sinking liquid and fire decomposition are key risks.
Hazard overview: TOXIC chlorinated solvent liquid; inhalation of vapor or ingestion may cause serious injury. Vapors are much heavier than air and can collect in low or confined areas. Liquid is denser than water and may sink, spreading contamination below the surface.
Response guidance: For UN 2831, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain corrosive/toxic runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 160.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2831 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 160, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Trichloroethane 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: Trichloroethane should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2831 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2831
- TOXIC chlorinated solvent liquid; inhalation of vapor or ingestion may cause serious injury.
- Vapors are much heavier than air and can collect in low or confined areas.
- Liquid is denser than water and may sink, spreading contamination below the surface.
- Not readily flammable, but fire or hot surfaces can form hydrogen chloride and phosgene-type gases.
- Vapor exposure may cause dizziness, narcosis or asphyxiation risk in enclosed areas.
- Runoff may carry persistent chlorinated contamination.
- Exact isomer should be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. Volatile and denser than water, sinks if spilled.
| Also known as | Methyl chloroformChlorotheneTCATrichloromethylmethaneAlpha-trichloroethane |
| CAS Number | 71-55-6 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. Volatile and denser than water, sinks if spilled. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 74C (165F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.6 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble and will sink |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2831
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2831 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.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 160, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2831 — TrichloroethaneUse 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.