UN 1114 — Benzene
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1114 is Benzene, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 130. It is a volatile aromatic solvent with serious fire, vapor explosion and chronic health hazards, including carcinogenicity.
Hazard overview: UN 1114 presents high flammability, vapor flashback and toxic exposure hazards. Benzene vapors may collect in low or confined areas, and all unnecessary contact should be avoided because benzene is a known human carcinogen.
Response guidance: For a UN 1114 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 130. 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 1114 should emphasize flammable vapor behavior, sewer vapor explosions, carcinogen exposure control, foam selection and decontamination. Common errors include relying on odor, entering low areas without monitoring, allowing runoff into drains and treating benzene as only a fire problem. Use ERG 130, SDS and local hazmat SOP.
Regulatory context: Benzene is regulated as a Class 3 flammable hazardous material and has additional occupational and environmental controls because benzene is toxic and carcinogenic. Transportation, exposure, spill reporting, waste handling and storage requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Benzene should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area with bonding/grounding and vapor control. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, drains and unauthorized access, with exposure controls appropriate for a carcinogenic solvent.
UN 1114 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1114
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
- Benzene is toxic and a known human carcinogen; avoid inhalation and skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating and toxic combustion products.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet, aromatic odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | BenzolPhenyl hydrideCoal naphthaCyclohexatrieneMotor benzolPyrobenzol |
| CAS Number | 71-43-2 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet, aromatic odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -11°C (12°F) |
| Boiling Point | 80°C (176°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water, floats on surface. No significant reaction with water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1114
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Because benzene is toxic and carcinogenic, responders should avoid skin contact and use chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing selected from the SDS and local SOP.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1114 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin or eye contact with liquid.
- 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 130, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1114 — BenzeneUse 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.