UN 1170 — Ethyl alcohol, solution
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1170 is Ethyl alcohol, solution, a Class 3 flammable alcohol solution assigned to ERG Guide 127. It is miscible with water and can generate ignitable vapors that travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Hazard overview: UN 1170 presents alcohol vapor fire and sewer explosion hazards. Because ethanol solutions mix with water, alcohol-resistant foam is often needed for reliable vapor suppression or fire control.
Response guidance: For a UN 1170 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. 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 1170 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 127, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethyl alcohol, 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: Ethyl alcohol, 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 1170 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1170
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE alcohol solution; will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
- Alcohol solutions are miscible with water and may require alcohol-resistant foam for reliable fire control.
- Liquid or vapor may irritate eyes and respiratory tissue at high concentrations.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. Volatile and miscible with water in all proportions.
| Also known as | EthanolEthyl alcoholGrain alcoholAlcoholSpirits of wineEtOH |
| CAS Number | 64-17-5 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. Volatile and miscible with water in all proportions. |
| Flash Point | 13°C (55°F) closed cup |
| Boiling Point | 78°C (172°F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; completely miscible with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1170
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, product concentration and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1170 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.
- 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 127, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1170 — Ethyl alcohol, 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.