UN 1916 — Dichloroethyl ether
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1916 is Dichloroethyl ether, a highly toxic combustible chlorinated ether assigned to ERG Guide 152. Skin absorption, heavy vapor and toxic fire products are the main responder concerns.
Hazard overview: UN 1916 presents severe toxic exposure, combustible liquid, skin absorption and chlorinated decomposition hazards. Heating may produce HCl and phosgene-type gases.
Response guidance: For a UN 1916 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 152. 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 1916 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 152, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Dichloroethyl ether 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: Dichloroethyl ether 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 1916 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1916
- HIGHLY TOXIC combustible chlorinated ether; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Combustible liquid: may burn under fire conditions but does not ignite as readily as low-flash liquids.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Fire may produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene-type and other toxic/corrosive gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic chlorinated contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Denser than water and slightly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl etherBis(2-chloroethyl) etherChlorexDCEEsym-Dichloroethyl ether |
| CAS Number | 111-44-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Denser than water and slightly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 55C (131F) |
| Boiling Point | 178C (352F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but hydrolyzes slowly in presence of moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1916
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots and eye/face protection should be selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1916 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.
- 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 152, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1916 — Dichloroethyl etherUse 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.