UN 1950 — Aerosols
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1950 is Aerosols, a pressurized aerosol entry assigned to ERG Guide 126. Contents vary, so responders should treat heated or leaking cans as pressure, vapor and product-specific chemical hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1950 presents pressurized container rupture, rocket, vapor accumulation, frostbite and product-specific toxic/flammable hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1950 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 126. 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 1950 should emphasize pressure/fire hazards, exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, evacuation and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Aerosols is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Requirements for storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling 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: Aerosols should be stored away from heat, flames, direct sunlight and mechanical damage in approved aerosol storage. Separate incompatible product types and limit accumulation according to fire code.
UN 1950 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1950
- PRESSURIZED AEROSOL containers; contents and propellants vary widely by product.
- Containers may rupture, burst or rocket when heated.
- Some aerosol products are flammable even if the transport entry is handled under a non-flammable gas guide.
- Vapors may accumulate in low or confined areas and may cause dizziness or asphyxiation.
- Contact with liquefied propellant may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive or toxic gases depending on contents.
- Leaking cans can create mixed chemical, vapor and pressure hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Pressurized metal containers holding liquids or gases under pressure. Contents vary widely (paints, lubricants, cleaning products, personal care products). Container appearance varies by product.
| Also known as | Aerosol cansSpray cansPressurized dispensersAerosol containersSpray containers |
| Appearance | Pressurized metal containers holding liquids or gases under pressure. Contents vary widely (paints, lubricants, cleaning products, personal care products). Container appearance varies by product. |
| Flash Point | Varies by contents; many flammable propellants have flash points below -18C (0F) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by propellant; typical propellants (propane, butane) range from -42C to -1C (-44F to 30F) |
| Vapor Density | Varies by contents; typical propellants heavier than air (1.5-2.0) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though contents vary |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1950
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, unknown contents or heavy vapor. Wear eye/face protection and chemical-resistant gloves for leaking cans; structural firefighting PPE is appropriate for aerosol fires.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1950 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 gas, vapor, smoke or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Move intact cans away from heat only if safe; heated aerosol containers may rupture and rocket.
- 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 area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, cylinder heating, vapor accumulation, unknown gas identity or downwind exposure.
- Use ERG Guide 126, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1950 — AerosolsUse 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.