UN 1188 — Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1188 is Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, a Class 3 flammable glycol ether liquid assigned to ERG Guide 127. It presents vapor ignition hazards plus possible skin absorption and systemic exposure concerns.
Hazard overview: UN 1188 presents flammable vapor, flashback and glycol ether exposure hazards. Vapors may collect in low areas, and skin contact can be significant for some glycol ethers, so PPE should be selected from SDS and monitoring conditions.
Response guidance: For a UN 1188 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 fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1188 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, skin absorption risk, sewer entry prevention, foam compatibility and decontamination. Common errors include relying on odor, using fire-only PPE and overlooking systemic toxicity.
Regulatory context: Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether 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: Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether 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 1188 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1188
- FLAMMABLE glycol ether liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources or collect in low areas.
- Some glycol ethers can be absorbed through skin and may cause systemic health effects.
- Liquid or vapor may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, ether-like odor. Miscible with water and common organic solvents.
| Also known as | 2-MethoxyethanolMethyl cellosolveEGMEMethoxyethanolGlycol monomethyl ether |
| CAS Number | 109-86-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, ether-like odor. Miscible with water and common organic solvents. |
| Flash Point | 39°C (102°F) |
| Boiling Point | 124-125°C (255-257°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; miscible with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1188
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves and splash protection are important because glycol ethers may be absorbed through skin and can cause systemic effects.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1188 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin or eye contact with liquid.
- 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 1188 — Ethylene glycol monomethyl etherUse 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.