UN 1091 — Acetone oils
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Acetone oils are a clear to yellowish-brown liquid with a characteristic acetone-like or solvent odor, liquid at room temperature with varying composition depending on the manufacturing process. They are highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
Hazard overview: Acetone oils are highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air, posing a significant risk of fire and explosion. Their high volatility also makes them a significant fire hazard, especially in confined spaces.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, isolate the spill area initially 50m in all directions and take protective action distance 0.3 km for large spills, evacuating downwind areas due to heavy vapors. Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO2 to extinguish the fire.
UN 1091 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1091
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Acetone oils are a clear to yellowish-brown liquid with a characteristic acetone-like or solvent odor, liquid at room temperature with varying composition depending on the manufacturing process.
| Also known as | Acetone oilPyroligneous spiritWood naphtha distillateAcetone distillation residues |
| Appearance | Clear to yellowish-brown liquid with a characteristic acetone-like or solvent odor. Liquid at room temperature with varying composition depending on manufacturing process. |
| Flash Point | -20C to 10C (-4F to 50F) depending on composition |
| Boiling Point | 56C to 150C (133F to 302F) wide range due to mixed components |
| Vapor Density | 2.0-3.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but may form separate layers |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1091
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with SCBA is required in confined spaces or high vapor concentrations, and chemical-resistant gloves and splash protection for liquid contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1091 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1091 — Acetone oilsUse 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.