UN 1886 — Benzylidene chloride
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 156. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1886 is Benzylidene chloride, a toxic combustible chlorinated liquid assigned to ERG Guide 156. It can hydrolyze with moisture to form hydrochloric acid fumes and acidic runoff.
Hazard overview: UN 1886 presents toxic vapor, corrosive HCl fume, water reaction, combustible liquid and low-area vapor hazards. Avoid water streams that spread contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1886 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 156. 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 1886 should emphasize water-reactive fuming behavior, heavy vapor movement, dry-agent selection, runoff control, PPE selection and decontamination. Use ERG 156, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Benzylidene chloride 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: Benzylidene chloride should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers/reducing agents where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1886 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1886
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE combustible liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe injury.
- Reacts with water or moist air to form hydrochloric acid fumes and acidic runoff.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Heating or fire may produce hydrogen chloride and other toxic/corrosive gases.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated or contaminated with water.
- Runoff may spread toxic and corrosive contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Denser than water and combustible but does not ignite readily.
| Also known as | Benzal chlorideBenzylidene dichlorideBenzyl dichlorideα,α-DichlorotolueneDichloromethylbenzene |
| CAS Number | 98-87-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Denser than water and combustible but does not ignite readily. |
| Flash Point | 65°C (149°F) |
| Boiling Point | 205°C (401°F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) fumes and heat; reaction intensifies with moisture and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1886
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fume, dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1886 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.
- Keep water and moisture away from released product unless incident command confirms a compatible cooling or control use.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled 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 spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 156, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1886 — Benzylidene chlorideUse 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.