UN 1961 — Ethane-propane mixture, refrigerated liquid
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1961 is Ethane-propane mixture, refrigerated liquid, a refrigerated flammable hydrocarbon gas mixture assigned to ERG Guide 115. Rapid vaporization can create large ignitable clouds and cryogenic contact hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1961 presents flammable vapor cloud, flashback, cryogenic burns, cylinder/tank rupture and explosion hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1961 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 115. 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 1961 should emphasize gas vapor travel, flashback, cylinder cooling, BLEVE/rocket hazards, source isolation, invisible or low-lying vapor behavior and ignition control. Use ERG 115, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethane-propane mixture, refrigerated liquid is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Requirements for storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling 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: Ethane-propane mixture, refrigerated liquid should be stored in approved cryogenic containers in a ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources where flammable, confined low spots and physical damage. Provide pressure relief, oxygen/flammable gas monitoring where appropriate and cryogenic handling controls.
UN 1961 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1961
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE refrigerated liquefied hydrocarbon gas; vapors may ignite easily.
- Rapid vaporization can form large flammable vapor clouds and flashback hazards.
- Cold vapor may initially stay low; warmed gas behavior depends on mixture and conditions.
- Contact with cryogenic liquid can cause severe frostbite and cold burns.
- Containers exposed to heat may vent, rupture or BLEVE/rocket.
- Liquid can create brittle material failure and ice formation.
- Do not extinguish flowing gas fire unless source can be shut off safely.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless cryogenic liquid with faint hydrocarbon odor. Rapidly vaporizes to gas at ambient temperature and pressure.
| Also known as | LPG mixturerefrigerated LP gasliquefied petroleum gas blendcryogenic ethane-propane |
| Appearance | Colorless cryogenic liquid with faint hydrocarbon odor. Rapidly vaporizes to gas at ambient temperature and pressure. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (cryogenic gas mixture, ignites readily below -100C) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately -89C to -42C (-128F to -44F) depending on mixture ratio |
| Vapor Density | 1.0-1.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water, but extreme cold can cause ice formation |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1961
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for leak, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear flame-resistant protection, eye/face protection and insulated gloves where liquefied or cryogenic gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1961 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 gas, vapor, smoke or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Protect against cryogenic frostbite and avoid low/confined areas until oxygen and flammable gas readings are checked.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep gas or vapor 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 area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, cylinder heating, vapor accumulation, unknown gas identity or downwind exposure.
- Use ERG Guide 115, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1961 — Ethane-propane mixture, refrigerated liqUse 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.