UN 1885 — Benzidine
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1885 At a Glance
UN 1885 (Benzidine) is listed as DOT Class 6 Toxic and is assigned to ERG Guide 153. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 1885 is Benzidine, a toxic aromatic amine solid assigned to ERG Guide 153. It is a known human carcinogen, so dust control, skin protection and decontamination are central response concerns.
Hazard overview: UN 1885 presents toxic dust, skin absorption, carcinogen and contaminated-runoff hazards. Fire may produce toxic nitrogen-containing smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 1885 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 153. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1885 should emphasize persistent toxic contamination, dust or liquid control, skin absorption, runoff containment, decontamination waste and exposure documentation. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Benzidine 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 formulation, concentration, 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: Benzidine should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area with secondary containment, dust control, restricted access and waste/decontamination planning according to SDS.
UN 1885 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1885
- TOXIC aromatic amine solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Known human carcinogen; avoid dust, skin contact and contaminated clothing.
- Combustible solid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Dust or powder can contaminate tools, surfaces and PPE.
- Fire may produce toxic nitrogen oxides and irritating smoke.
- Runoff may carry persistent toxic contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Grayish-yellow to reddish-gray crystalline solid or powder. Slight odor. Darkens on exposure to air and light.
| Also known as | 4,4'-Diaminobiphenylp-Diaminodiphenyl4,4'-BiphenyldiamineBenzidine baseC.I. 37225 |
| CAS Number | 92-87-5 |
| Appearance | Grayish-yellow to reddish-gray crystalline solid or powder. Slight odor. Darkens on exposure to air and light. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | 401C (754F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, negligible vapor pressure) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; slightly soluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1885
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; prevent skin contact and contaminated dust spread.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1885 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 vapors, fumes, dust, mist or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 153, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1885 — BenzidineUse 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.