UN 1987 — Denatured alcohol
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1987 is Denatured alcohol, a highly flammable alcohol liquid assigned to ERG Guide 127. Denaturants can change toxicity, so SDS confirmation matters.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE denatured alcohol 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. Denaturants may add toxicity beyond ethanol depending on formulation.
Response guidance: For a UN 1987 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1987 should emphasize fire behavior, exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, evacuation, runoff control and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 127, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Denatured alcohol is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Denatured alcohol should be stored in approved flammable/toxic-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1987 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1987
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE denatured alcohol 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.
- Denaturants may add toxicity beyond ethanol depending on formulation.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors, in drains and confined spaces.
- Liquid is miscible with water and can spread through runoff.
- Fire may produce irritating smoke and carbon monoxide.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Volatile and miscible with water.
| Also known as | EthanolEthyl alcoholMethylated spiritsDenatured ethanolIndustrial alcohol |
| CAS Number | 64-17-5 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Volatile and miscible with water. |
| Flash Point | 13C (55F) |
| Boiling Point | 78C (173F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; miscible with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1987
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1987 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, gas, smoke, mist or dust and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released 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 release or spill area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor accumulation, cylinder/tank heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 127, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1987 — Denatured alcoholUse 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.