☣️ UN 1170 • CLASS 3

UN 1170 — Ethyl alcohol, solution

Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

Ethyl alcohol, solution, is a highly flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. It is classified as a DOT Class 3 flammable liquid and is widely used in various industrial applications. First responders may encounter ethyl alcohol in transportation accidents, industrial spills, or fires. The scale of production and transport of ethyl alcohol is significant, with millions of gallons being transported every year. Ethyl alcohol is also known as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is volatile and miscible with water in all proportions. The CAS number for ethyl alcohol is 64-17-5.

Hazard overview: Ethyl alcohol, solution is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air, posing a significant risk of fire and explosion. Prolonged exposure to its vapors can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

Response guidance: In case of an ethyl alcohol spill, initially isolate the area 50m in all directions. For large spills, isolate 150m and evacuate 800m downwind if fire is involved. Use alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam, CO2, or dry chemical to suppress the fire. Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped. Call CHEMTREC for emergency response guidance. Evacuate unauthorized personnel and stay upwind, uphill, and/or upstream. Use Level B minimum PPE with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit for spill response.

Firefighter training notes: First responders should be trained to respond to ethyl alcohol spills and fires. They should be aware of the hazards associated with ethyl alcohol, including its flammability and toxicity. They should also be trained to use the correct PPE and suppression agents. A common tactical error is not using the correct foam type, which can exacerbate the situation. ICS position needs and mutual aid criteria should be established to ensure a coordinated response.

Regulatory context: Ethyl alcohol, solution, is classified as a DOT Class 3 flammable liquid. The OSHA PEL for ethyl alcohol is not well-established, but it is considered a hazardous material. Ethyl alcohol is not on the CERCLA list, but it is regulated by other federal and state agencies.

Storage & handling: Ethyl alcohol, solution, should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and ignition sources. The temperature limit for storage is not established, but it should be kept away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids. The container type should be compatible with the material and should be designed to prevent leakage and spillage.

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UN 1170 Quick Details

UN 1170
Product name: Ethyl alcohol, solution
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: Initially isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire

Common Hazards of UN 1170

  • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
  • Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
  • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Ethyl alcohol, solution, is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. It is volatile and miscible with water in all proportions. The flash point of ethyl alcohol is 13°C (55°F) closed cup, and the boiling point is 78°C (172°F). The vapor density of ethyl alcohol is 1.6, which is heavier than air.

Also known asEthanolEthyl alcoholGrain alcoholAlcoholSpirits of wineEtOH
CAS Number64-17-5
AppearanceClear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. Volatile and miscible with water in all proportions.
Flash Point13°C (55°F) closed cup
Boiling Point78°C (172°F)
Vapor Density1.6 (heavier than air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction; completely miscible with water
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1170

Extinguishing Media

Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam required; CO2, dry chemical also effective

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum for spill response; SCBA and chemical-resistant suit for fire or confined space

For ethyl alcohol spill response, use Level B minimum PPE with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit. The recommended PPE includes chemical-resistant gloves, suit, and SCBA. Butyl rubber provides the best protection against permeation. The PPE level is determined based on the hazards associated with ethyl alcohol, including its flammability and toxicity.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 127: Initially isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).

First Actions for a UN 1170 Incident

  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
  • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1170 — Ethyl alcohol, solution
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1170 Product: Ethyl alcohol, solution Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127 PPE: Level B minimum for spill response; SCBA and chemical-resistant suit for fire or confined space ISOLATION: ERG 127: Initially isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1170 — Ethyl alcohol, solution Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127 Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. Volatile and miscible with water in all proportions. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; completely miscible with water Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam required; CO2, dry chemical also effective PPE: Level B minimum for spill response; SCBA and chemical-resistant suit for fire or confined space Isolation: ERG 127: Initially isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire — Key Hazards — • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. — First Actions — • Keep unauthorized personnel away. • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped. • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1170 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1170 Ethyl alcohol, solution Cls3 ERG127 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1170SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/ethyl-alcohol-solution-un-1170

Related UN Numbers in Class 3

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1170

Yes, UN 1170 ethyl alcohol solution is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and can travel to the source of ignition and flash back.

Level B minimum PPE with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit is required for UN 1170 ethyl alcohol solution spill response. Chemical-resistant gloves and suit are also recommended.

UN 1170 ethyl alcohol solution can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to ethyl alcohol vapors can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. In severe cases, it can cause coma, respiratory failure, and even death.

UN 1170 ethyl alcohol solution is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, wine-like odor. It is volatile and miscible with water in all proportions.

Alcohol-resistant (AR-AFFF) foam, CO2, and dry chemical are effective fire suppression agents for UN 1170 ethyl alcohol solution. Water spray can also be used for cooling.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.