UN 1601 — Disinfectant, solid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1601 is Disinfectant, solid, poisonous, n.o.s., a toxic not-otherwise-specified material assigned to ERG Guide 151. Because the exact active ingredient varies, shipping papers and SDS are essential before choosing entry, cleanup or fire-control actions.
Hazard overview: UN 1601 presents toxic exposure and formulation-dependent hazards. It may be combustible, corrosive, oxidizing or water-reactive depending on the product, and runoff should be controlled as toxic contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1601 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1601 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and preventing contaminated runoff. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Disinfectant, solid, poisonous, n.o.s. 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: Disinfectant, solid, poisonous, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area according to SDS and local hazardous materials procedures.
UN 1601 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1601
- TOXIC not-otherwise-specified material; exact hazards depend on the formulation and active ingredient.
- May be harmful or fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Dust, vapor or solution may irritate or injure eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic contamination to drains or waterways.
- Some formulations may be combustible, oxidizing, corrosive or water-reactive; verify SDS.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid material at room temperature, varying in color depending on specific formulation. May be in powder, granular, tablet, or crystal form. Odor varies by active ingredient but often has chemical or chlorine-like smell.
| Also known as | Solid disinfectantToxic disinfectant solidPoisonous disinfectant compoundAntimicrobial solid agent |
| Appearance | Solid material at room temperature, varying in color depending on specific formulation. May be in powder, granular, tablet, or crystal form. Odor varies by active ingredient but often has chemical or chlorine-like smell. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid disinfectant, varies by formulation) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid material, decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water depending on formulation; some release toxic gases or heat when wet |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1601
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS because the exact formulation controls exposure risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1601 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 or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, molten material or runoff.
- 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 or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1601 — Disinfectant, solid, poisonous, n.o.s.Use 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.