☣️ UN 1719 • CLASS 8
UN 1719 — Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. is a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe burns and injury. It is a clear to colored liquid with a variable odor depending on the specific alkali.
Hazard overview: Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. is toxic and corrosive, and can cause severe burns and injury through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Contact with molten substance can cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
Response guidance: In case of emergency, use water spray to reduce vapors or divert liquid flow, and avoid direct water streams on spills. Dry chemical can be used if fire involves other materials.
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UN 1719 Quick Details
UN 1719
Product name: Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 154 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 154: Isolate spill area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions.
Common Hazards of UN 1719
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. is a clear to colored liquid with a variable odor depending on the specific alkali.
| Appearance | Clear to colored liquid, variable odor depending on specific alkali. Corrosive solution of various alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or other strong bases. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically above 100C (212F) depending on concentration and specific alkali |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (low volatility aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally miscible with water; may generate heat on dilution. Do not add water directly to concentrated solutions. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1719
Extinguishing Media
Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert liquid flow; dry chemical if fire involves other materials; avoid direct water streams on spills
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentration; full face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, boots, and protective suit; rubber or neoprene materials preferred
Level B minimum PPE is required, including SCBA, full face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, boots, and protective suit.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 154: Isolate spill area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 154).
First Actions for a UN 1719 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 1719 — Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1719
Product: Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 154
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentration; full face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, boots, and protective suit; rubber or neoprene materials preferred
ISOLATION: ERG 154: Isolate spill area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions.
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1719 — Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s.
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 154
Appearance: Clear to colored liquid, variable odor depending on specific alkali. Corrosive solution of various alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or other strong bases.
Water Reactivity: Generally miscible with water; may generate heat on dilution. Do not add water directly to concentrated solutions.
Extinguishing: Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert liquid flow; dry chemical if fire involves other materials; avoid direct water streams on spills
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high vapor concentration; full face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, boots, and protective suit; rubber or neoprene materials preferred
Isolation: ERG 154: Isolate spill area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions.
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Avoid any skin contact.
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1719 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1719 Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. Cls8 ERG154 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1719SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/caustic-alkali-liquid-n-un-1719
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1719
No, UN 1719 Caustic alkali liquid, n.o.s. is not flammable.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.