UN 1278 — Chloropropane
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1278 is Chloropropane, a flammable chlorinated liquid assigned to ERG Guide 129. It presents vapor fire, flashback and toxic fire-product concerns during spills or container fires.
Hazard overview: UN 1278 presents flammable vapor, flashback and chlorinated-solvent hazards. Fire can produce corrosive or toxic decomposition products, and vapors may collect in low or sewer areas where ignition can cause explosion.
Response guidance: For a UN 1278 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 129. 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 fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1278 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 129, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Chloropropane 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, 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: Chloropropane should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials, with bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.
UN 1278 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1278
- FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
- Liquid or vapor may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Specific chronic toxicity concerns should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | n-Propyl chloridePropyl chlorideChloropropane1-Chloro-n-propane |
| CAS Number | 540-54-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -32C (-26F) |
| Boiling Point | 47C (117F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; insoluble in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1278
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS because liquid and vapor can injure tissue.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1278 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 129, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1278 — ChloropropaneUse 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.