UN 1043 — Fertilizer, ammoniating solution, with free ammonia
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 125. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1043 is Fertilizer, ammoniating solution, with free ammonia, a toxic/corrosive ammonia-bearing fertilizer solution assigned to ERG Guide 125. It may release irritating ammonia vapor and form corrosive alkaline liquid hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1043 presents ammonia vapor, corrosive liquid and pressure/release hazards. Vapor can irritate or injure the respiratory tract, while liquid contact can burn eyes and skin; water can absorb vapor but runoff may become corrosive.
Response guidance: For a UN 1043 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 125. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid vapor contact, use air monitoring when available and consult ERG Table 1 when applicable.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1043 should emphasize toxic inhalation risk, corrosive vapor exposure, SCBA discipline, Table 1 protective actions and cylinder leak-control limitations. Common errors include relying on odor, entering low areas without monitoring, applying water to a reactive leak and selecting splash PPE without respiratory protection.
Regulatory context: Fertilizer, ammoniating solution, with free ammonia is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Fertilizer, ammoniating solution, with free ammonia should be stored in compatible containers or cylinders in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area with toxic/corrosive gas controls, leak detection where required and segregation from incompatible materials. Protect containers from heat, corrosion, impact, valve damage and unauthorized access.
UN 1043 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1043
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled.
- Gas or vapor may severely irritate or burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite and chemical injury.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or vapor suppression may be corrosive or environmentally hazardous.
- Vapors may collect in low or confined areas depending on product and release conditions.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to slightly yellowish liquid with a pungent, suffocating ammonia odor. May release visible white vapor clouds, especially when exposed to moist air.
| Also known as | Ammoniating solutionAmmoniated fertilizer solutionAnhydrous ammonia solutionFree ammonia fertilizer solution |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid with a pungent, suffocating ammonia odor. May release visible white vapor clouds, especially when exposed to moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable compressed gas solution) |
| Boiling Point | Varies with ammonia concentration; ammonia component boils at -33C (-28F) |
| Vapor Density | 0.6 (lighter than air for ammonia vapors) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water, releasing heat and forming corrosive ammonium hydroxide solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1043
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Positive-pressure SCBA is required for suspected toxic gas exposure. Chemical-protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results, leak conditions and incident command; Level A may be needed for close entry into unknown or high-concentration toxic/corrosive vapor.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1043 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.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid breathing gas, vapor, mist or fire gases.
- Many toxic or liquefied gases may spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
- 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 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the precautionary distance downwind based on release size, weather, monitoring and incident command.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1043 — Fertilizer, ammoniating solution, with fUse 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.