UN 1868 — Decaborane
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 134. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1868 is Decaborane, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 134. Vapors can travel to ignition sources, flash back and create explosion hazards in low areas or sewers.
Hazard overview: UN 1868 presents flammable vapor, flashback, sewer vapor explosion, container rupture and toxic smoke hazards. Control ignition sources and keep runoff out of drains.
Response guidance: For a UN 1868 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 134. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1868 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, spill containment and ignition control. Use ERG 134, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Decaborane 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, concentration, 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: Decaborane should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers or tanks with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1868 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1868
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors, in sewers and confined spaces.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Specific toxicity and solvent hazards should be confirmed from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline solid with a pungent, bitter odor. Exists as colorless to white crystals at room temperature.
| Also known as | Decaborane(14)Boron hydrideDecaboron tetradecahydrideBoron decahydride |
| CAS Number | 17702-41-9 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid with a pungent, bitter odor. Exists as colorless to white crystals at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 70C (158F) |
| Boiling Point | 213C (415F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water, producing hydrogen gas and boric acid. Avoid prolonged contact with water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1868
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1868 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 134, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1868 — DecaboraneUse 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.