UN 1760 — Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid (corrosive)
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, are widely used in agriculture and landscaping. They are classified as a DOT Class 8 material, indicating they are toxic and/or corrosive. First responders may encounter these compounds during transportation accidents, industrial spills, or fires. The scale of production and transport of these compounds is significant, with millions of tons produced annually. These compounds are typically colored liquids with a chemical or solvent odor. It is essential for first responders to be aware of the hazards associated with these compounds and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe response. Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, are used in various applications, including agriculture, landscaping, and forestry.
Hazard overview: Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, are toxic and/or corrosive, and inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the material may cause severe injury. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. 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 damage. The LC50 value for these compounds is not well-established, but they are known to be highly toxic. The IDLH value is also not well-established, but it is recommended to use SCBA in concentrated vapors or confined spaces. These compounds have a vapor density of 3-5, which is heavier than air, and can still pose a significant hazard due to their corrosive nature.
Response guidance: In the event of a Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, spill, it is essential to isolate the area, with a spill requiring a 25-50m isolation zone in all directions, and consider evacuation of the immediate area if fire is present. Evacuation zones should be established, and correct suppression agents, such as alcohol-resistant foam, should be used. Decontamination is crucial, and CHEMTREC should be contacted in case of an emergency. First responders should be aware of the potential for these compounds to react with water, generating heat, and take necessary precautions to avoid any violent reactions. The isolation distance for a major spill should be 800m downwind.
Firefighter training notes: First responders should be trained to respond to Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, spills and fires, with a focus on isolation, evacuation, and suppression. A known tactical error for this chemical class is the use of incorrect suppression agents, which can exacerbate the situation. ICS position needs and mutual aid criteria should be established to ensure a coordinated response. First responders should be aware of the potential for these compounds to react with water and take necessary precautions to avoid any violent reactions.
Regulatory context: Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, are classified as a DOT Class 8 material, indicating they are toxic and/or corrosive. The OSHA PEL/TLV is not well-established, but it is recommended to follow the guidelines for toxic and corrosive substances. These compounds are not listed on the CERCLA list, but they can still pose a significant environmental hazard due to their corrosive nature.
Storage & handling: Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as strong bases and reducing agents. The temperature limit should be below 50C (122F), and the container type should be compatible with the substance. The ventilation standard should be established to prevent the accumulation of toxic and corrosive vapors.
UN 1760 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1760
- 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
Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquid, are typically colored liquids with a chemical or solvent odor. They have a flash point of 23-60C (73-140F), which varies by formulation, and a boiling point of 100-200C (212-392F), depending on the solvent base. The vapor density is 3-5, which is heavier than air, and the specific gravity is approximately 0.9-1.1, depending on the formulation.
| Also known as | Corrosive herbicide liquidCorrosive pesticide liquidTree killing compound liquidWeed killing compound liquidHerbicidal corrosive solution |
| Appearance | Varies widely - typically colored liquid (amber, brown, or clear) with chemical or solvent odor. Corrosive nature causes immediate tissue damage on contact. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation - typically 23-60C (73-140F) for organic solvent-based products |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation - typically 100-200C (212-392F) depending on solvent base |
| Vapor Density | Varies - typically 3-5 (heavier than air) for organic solvent formulations |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water generating heat; dilution may be hazardous due to corrosivity |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1760
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
A minimum of Level B PPE is required, including an acid/alkali resistant suit, gloves, and boots, face shield, and eye protection. The rationale for each item is to prevent skin contact and inhalation of toxic and corrosive substances. The suit material should be acid/alkali resistant, and the glove specification should be compatible with the substance.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1760 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
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1760 — Compounds, tree or weed killing, liquidUse 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.