☣️ UN 1198 • CLASS 3

UN 1198 — Formalin (flammable)

Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 132. 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.

UN 1198 is Formalin (flammable), a formaldehyde solution assigned to ERG Guide 132. It combines flammable solvent behavior with severe irritant and toxic formaldehyde vapor hazards.

Hazard overview: UN 1198 presents flammable liquid, formaldehyde vapor and irritant/carcinogen exposure hazards. Vapors can injure eyes and respiratory tissue, and fire may produce toxic gases.

Response guidance: For a UN 1198 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 132. 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 1198 should emphasize combined toxicity, skin absorption, flammable vapor behavior, air monitoring and decontamination. Common errors include treating the incident only as a fire, entering vapor areas without SCBA, allowing sewer entry and failing to control ignition sources. Use ERG 132, SDS and incident command.

Regulatory context: Formalin (flammable) is regulated as a hazardous material and may have additional occupational exposure, environmental and waste controls because of toxicity as well as flammability. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.

Storage & handling: Formalin (flammable) should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid area with exposure controls, secondary containment and drain protection. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.

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UN 1198 Quick Details

UN 1198
Product name: Formalin (flammable)
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 132 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire

Common Hazards of UN 1198

  • FLAMMABLE and TOXIC/IRRITATING; formaldehyde vapor may cause severe eye, skin and respiratory irritation.
  • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and travel to an ignition source.
  • Liquid and vapor may irritate or burn skin, eyes and respiratory tissue.
  • Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control or spill control may cause environmental contamination.
  • Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
  • Formaldehyde is a recognized carcinogen; minimize inhalation and skin contact.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Clear, colorless aqueous solution (typically 37-50% formaldehyde) with a pungent, irritating odor. Liquid at room temperature.

Also known asFormaldehyde solutionFormalinMethylene oxide solutionFormic aldehyde aqueousFormol
CAS Number50-00-0
AppearanceClear, colorless aqueous solution (typically 37-50% formaldehyde) with a pungent, irritating odor. Liquid at room temperature.
Flash Point50-85C (122-185F) depending on concentration
Boiling Point96-101C (205-214F)
Vapor Density1.03-1.09 (heavier than air)
Water ReactivityMiscible with water; no violent reaction but dilution reduces flammability
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1198

Extinguishing Media

Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 for fire control when appropriate; water spray may be used to cool containers but runoff should be controlled as contaminated.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to severe irritant/carcinogen

Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results and incident command because inhalation and skin absorption can be serious.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 132).

First Actions for a UN 1198 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 132, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1198 — Formalin (flammable)
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1198 Product: Formalin (flammable) Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 132 PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to severe irritant/carcinogen ISOLATION: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or 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 1198 — Formalin (flammable) Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 132 Appearance: Clear, colorless aqueous solution (typically 37-50% formaldehyde) with a pungent, irritating odor. Liquid at room temperature. Water Reactivity: Miscible with water; no violent reaction but dilution reduces flammability Extinguishing: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 for fire control when appropriate; water spray may be used to cool containers but runoff should be controlled as contaminated. PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to severe irritant/carcinogen Isolation: ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill or fire — Key Hazards — • FLAMMABLE and TOXIC/IRRITATING; formaldehyde vapor may cause severe eye, skin and respiratory irritation. • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and travel to an ignition source. • Liquid and vapor may irritate or burn skin, eyes and respiratory tissue. — First Actions — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/formalin-un-1198 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

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

SMS (short)
UN1198 Formalin (flammable) Cls3 ERG132 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/formalin-un-1198SMS / 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/formalin-un-1198

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 1198

UN 1198 is Formalin (flammable), a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 132.

Yes. It may be flammable and also presents serious toxic exposure hazards.

ERG Guide 132 applies to UN 1198 and should be used for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

UN 1198 presents flammable liquid, formaldehyde vapor and irritant/carcinogen exposure hazards. Vapors can injure eyes and respiratory tissue, and fire may produce toxic gases.

Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results and incident command because inhalation and skin absorption can be serious.

Responders should isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, eliminate ignition sources when safe, prevent sewer entry, verify the product with SDS and follow ERG Guide 132, incident command and local SOP.
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.