UN 1131 — Carbon disulphide
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1131 is Carbon disulphide, a toxic and extremely flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 131. It has very low ignition energy, heavy vapors and serious inhalation and skin-absorption hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1131 presents extreme flammability, vapor explosion and toxic exposure hazards. Carbon disulphide vapors can travel, flash back and ignite easily, while exposure may affect the nervous system and other organs.
Response guidance: For a UN 1131 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 131. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors or runoff out of sewers and use compatible Class B fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1131 should emphasize combined toxicity, skin absorption, flammable vapor behavior, air monitoring and decontamination. Common errors include treating the incident only as a fire, entering vapor areas without SCBA, allowing sewer entry and failing to control ignition sources. Use ERG 131, SDS and incident command.
Regulatory context: Carbon disulphide is regulated as a hazardous material and may have additional occupational exposure, environmental and waste controls because of toxicity as well as flammability. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Carbon disulphide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid area with exposure controls, secondary containment and drain protection. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1131 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1131
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE and TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and travel to an ignition source.
- Liquid and vapor may irritate or burn skin, eyes and respiratory tissue.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or spill control may cause environmental contamination.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Carbon disulfide has a very low flash point and can ignite from distant or weak ignition sources.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to faint yellow liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor when pure; commercial grades have a foul, rotten-egg odor due to impurities. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | Carbon bisulfideCarbon bisulphideDithiocarbonic anhydrideCS2 |
| CAS Number | 75-15-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless to faint yellow liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor when pure; commercial grades have a foul, rotten-egg odor due to impurities. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -30°C (-22°F) |
| Boiling Point | 46°C (115°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1131
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results and incident command because inhalation and skin absorption can be serious.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1131 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, fire involvement or strong vapor movement, expand isolation and consider downwind evacuation based on monitoring and incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 131, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1131 — Carbon disulphideUse 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.