UN 1583 — Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., also known as trichloronitromethane, is a toxic and corrosive substance with an intensely irritating odor. It is classified as a DOT class 6 material and is widely used as a fumigant and insecticide. First responders may encounter chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., in the event of a spill or fire, and it is essential to handle it with caution due to its extreme toxicity. The scale of production and transport of chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is significant, and it is crucial to have a comprehensive emergency response plan in place. Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is also known by its synonyms, including nitrochloroform and PS. The CAS number for chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is 76-06-2.
Hazard overview: Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is a toxic and corrosive substance that can cause severe injury through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. The LC50 value for chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is not available, but it is known to be highly toxic. The vapor density of chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is 5.7, which is much heavier than air, and it can hydrolyze slowly in water without a violent reaction. In the event of a fire, chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., may produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases, and the worst-case scenario for first responders is a large-scale spill or fire that requires immediate evacuation and specialized equipment. The IDLH value for chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is not available, but it is essential to handle it with caution due to its extreme toxicity.
Response guidance: In the event of a spill or fire involving chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., it is essential to isolate the area immediately. The ERG 154 recommends isolating the spill 25-50m in all directions, and evacuating the immediate area. The public protective action distance should be established based on the size of the spill and the wind direction, with a recommended distance of 0.1-0.3 km downwind for small spills and 0.5-1.6 km for large spills. The correct suppression agent for chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is water spray, dry chemical, or CO2, and foam is not typically required for non-flammable liquids. Decontamination is crucial, and CHEMTREC should be contacted in the event of a spill or fire.
Firefighter training notes: First responders should receive specialized training on handling chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., including the use of SCBA, full encapsulation suits, and decontamination procedures. A common tactical error when handling chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is underestimating its toxicity and not wearing proper PPE. The ICS position needs to be aware of the hazards associated with chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., and the mutual aid criteria should be established based on the size of the spill and the resources required.
Regulatory context: Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is classified as a DOT class 6 material, and it is essential to follow the regulations and guidelines for handling and transporting toxic and corrosive substances. The OSHA PEL for chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is not available, but it is essential to follow the recommended exposure limits and guidelines for handling toxic substances. Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is not listed on the CERCLA list, but it is essential to handle it with caution due to its toxicity and corrosive nature.
Storage & handling: Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids. The temperature limit for storing chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is not available, but it is essential to follow the recommended storage guidelines to prevent decomposition and contamination. The ventilation standard for storing chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., should be established based on the size of the storage area and the potential for exposure.
UN 1583 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1583
- 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
Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is a colorless to faintly yellow oily liquid with an intensely irritating odor. It has a boiling point of 112C (234F) and is slightly volatile at room temperature. Chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is non-flammable but decomposes on heating, and it is essential to handle it with caution to prevent ignition.
| Also known as | TrichloronitromethaneNitrochloroformPSNitrotrichloromethaneAcquinite |
| CAS Number | 76-06-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless to faintly yellow oily liquid with an intensely irritating odor. Slightly volatile at room temperature. Non-flammable but decomposes on heating. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 112C (234F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.7 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water; no violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1583
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
The recommended PPE level for handling chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., is Level A, which includes a full encapsulation suit, SCBA, and gloves. The extreme toxicity of chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., requires specialized equipment, and it is essential to avoid any skin or eye contact. The SCBA type should be compatible with the toxic and corrosive nature of chloropicrin mixture, n.o.s., and the suit material should be resistant to chemical penetration.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1583 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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