UN 2491 — Ethanolamine, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2491 is Ethanolamine, solution, a corrosive amine solution assigned to ERG Guide 153. Concentration affects flash point, corrosivity and runoff behavior.
Hazard overview: CORROSIVE amine solution; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe burns or injury. Combustible liquid depending on concentration; heated vapors may ignite or irritate respiratory tissue. Dilution with water can generate heat and spread alkaline/corrosive contamination.
Response guidance: For UN 2491, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where vapor, dust, mist or fire is present. Contain toxic/corrosive runoff and verify product controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2491 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA use, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethanolamine, solution is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Ethanolamine, solution should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2491 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2491
- CORROSIVE amine solution; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe burns or injury.
- Combustible liquid depending on concentration; heated vapors may ignite or irritate respiratory tissue.
- Dilution with water can generate heat and spread alkaline/corrosive contamination.
- Vapors or mist may collect in poorly ventilated areas and irritate eyes, skin and lungs.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Runoff may be alkaline, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Exact concentration affects flash point, corrosivity and response tactics.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and corrosive to tissue.
| Also known as | monoethanolamineMEA2-aminoethanolcolamineglycinolethanolamine aqueous solution |
| CAS Number | 141-43-5 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and corrosive to tissue. |
| Flash Point | 93C (200F) for pure ethanolamine; varies with concentration in solution |
| Boiling Point | 170C (338F) for pure ethanolamine; varies with concentration and water content |
| Vapor Density | 2.1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; generates heat on dilution but no violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2491
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2491 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2491 — Ethanolamine, 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.