UN 1160 — Dimethylamine, aqueous solution
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 132. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1160 is Dimethylamine, aqueous solution, a flammable aqueous amine solution assigned to ERG Guide 132. It combines flammable vapor behavior with alkaline/corrosive irritation hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1160 presents flammable vapor, flashback and corrosive amine exposure hazards. Vapors or liquid can irritate or burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue, and runoff may become alkaline or contaminated.
Response guidance: For a UN 1160 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 132. 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 Class B fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1160 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 132, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Dimethylamine, aqueous solution 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: Dimethylamine, aqueous solution 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 1160 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1160
- FLAMMABLE and alkaline/corrosive amine solution; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Amine vapors may strongly irritate or burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or corrosive contamination hazards.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to yellow liquid with a strong ammonia-like or fishy odor. Aqueous solution typically contains 25-40% dimethylamine by weight.
| Also known as | DMAN-MethylmethanamineDimethylamine solutionMethanamine N-methyl- |
| CAS Number | 124-40-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid with a strong ammonia-like or fishy odor. Aqueous solution typically contains 25-40% dimethylamine by weight. |
| Flash Point | -18C (0F) for typical 40% solution |
| Boiling Point | 7C (45F) for pure dimethylamine; varies with concentration |
| Vapor Density | 1.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Already in aqueous solution; miscible with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1160
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing are important because amine solution vapors and liquid can irritate or burn tissue.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1160 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 132, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1160 — Dimethylamine, aqueous solutionUse 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.