UN 1012 — Butylene
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Butylene is a highly flammable gas that can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. It is shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure and has a gasoline-like or aromatic odor.
Hazard overview: Butylene is extremely flammable and can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, making it a highly hazardous substance. Prolonged exposure to the gas can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Response guidance: In the event of a butylene leak or spill, emergency responders should evacuate the area immediately and isolate the source of the leak. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and thermal protection are required for responders to safely approach the scene.
UN 1012 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1012
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
- Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Will form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Butylene is a colorless gas with a gasoline-like or aromatic odor, shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure.
| Also known as | 1-ButeneButenealpha-Butylenen-ButyleneButene-1 |
| CAS Number | 106-98-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas with a gasoline-like or aromatic odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure. |
| Flash Point | -80C (-112F) |
| Boiling Point | -6C (21F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1012
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with SCBA required for vapor cloud or leak, and thermal protection if liquid contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1012 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1012 — ButyleneUse 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.