☣️ UN 1181 • CLASS 6
UN 1181 — Ethyl chloroacetate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 155. 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 chloroacetate is a highly flammable and toxic substance that requires careful handling. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor that is denser than water and immiscible with water.
Hazard overview: Ethyl chloroacetate is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, posing explosion hazards indoors, outdoors, and in sewers.
Response guidance: In case of a spill, isolate the area immediately and use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, or water spray for cooling. Wear a Level B minimum with SCBA and a full chemical-resistant suit for spill response.
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UN 1181 Quick Details
UN 1181
Product name: Ethyl chloroacetate
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 155 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 155: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire or major leak
Common Hazards of UN 1181
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff.
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
- Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Ethyl chloroacetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor that is denser than water and immiscible with water.
| Also known as | Ethyl chloroacetateChloroacetic acid ethyl esterEthyl monochloroacetateEthyl α-chloroacetate |
| CAS Number | 105-39-5 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Denser than water and immiscible with water. |
| Flash Point | 54°C (129°F) |
| Boiling Point | 144°C (291°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slowly hydrolyzes in water to produce hydrochloric acid and glycolic acid; no violent reaction but will form corrosive products over time |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1181
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.
Wear a Level B minimum with SCBA and a full chemical-resistant suit for spill response, as ethyl chloroacetate is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 155: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire or major leak
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 155).
First Actions for a UN 1181 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1181 — Ethyl chloroacetateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1181
Product: Ethyl chloroacetate
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 155
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.
ISOLATION: ERG 155: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire or major leak
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1181 — Ethyl chloroacetate
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 155
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Denser than water and immiscible with water.
Water Reactivity: Slowly hydrolyzes in water to produce hydrochloric acid and glycolic acid; no violent reaction but will form corrosive products over time
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.
Isolation: ERG 155: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire or major leak
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards.
• Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
— 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1181 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1181 Ethyl chloroacetate Cls6 ERG155 | ERG 155: isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spill isolate 150m, evacuat | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1181SMS / 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-chloroacetate-un-1181
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1181
Yes, UN 1181 is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
UN 1181 slowly hydrolyzes in water to produce hydrochloric acid and glycolic acid, forming corrosive products over time.
Isolate the spill area 50m in all directions, and evacuate 800m downwind if there is a fire or major leak.
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.