UN 2491 — Ethanolamine, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2491 At a Glance
UN 2491 (Ethanolamine, solution) is listed as DOT Class 8 Corrosive and is assigned to ERG Guide 153. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
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.