UN 1113 — Amyl nitrite
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1113 is Amyl nitrite, a Class 3 flammable organic nitrate/nitrite liquid assigned to ERG Guide 129. It is a fire and vapor-explosion hazard, with additional concern for heat or contamination-related decomposition.
Hazard overview: UN 1113 presents flammable vapor, flashback and heat-sensitive decomposition hazards. Fire may produce toxic nitrogen oxide fumes, and responders should keep the material away from heat, ignition sources and incompatible contaminants.
Response guidance: For a UN 1113 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 129. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors out of sewers and use compatible Class B fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1113 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains, ignoring low-area vapor collection and using non-compatible foam. Use ERG 129, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Amyl nitrite is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Amyl nitrite should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials, with bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.
UN 1113 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1113
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid; will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Organic nitrate/nitrite liquids may decompose or react dangerously when heated or contaminated.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce irritating and toxic nitrogen oxide fumes.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, pale yellow to yellowish liquid with a distinctive sweet, fruity, ether-like odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | Isoamyl nitriteIsopentyl nitrite3-Methylbutyl nitritePentyl nitriteNitrous acid amyl ester |
| CAS Number | 110-46-3 |
| Appearance | Clear, pale yellow to yellowish liquid with a distinctive sweet, fruity, ether-like odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -10°C (14°F) |
| Boiling Point | 96-99°C (205-210°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water with slow hydrolysis; no violent reaction expected |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1113
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing selected using SDS and avoid heat, contamination and ignition sources.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1113 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled liquid unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For large spills or fire involvement, expand isolation and consider downwind evacuation based on vapor movement, monitoring and incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 129, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1113 — Amyl nitriteUse 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.