☣️ 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.
Formalin is a clear, colorless aqueous solution with a pungent, irritating odor. It is a flammable liquid that can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
Hazard overview: Formalin is a flammable and combustible material that can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. It is also a severe irritant and carcinogen, posing a significant risk to human health.
Response guidance: In the event of a spill, evacuate the area immediately and isolate the spill to prevent further ignition. Use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, or dry chemical to extinguish the fire, and use water spray for cooling.
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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/combustible material.
- May be 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Formalin is a liquid at room temperature and is typically a 37-50% formaldehyde solution.
| Also known as | Formaldehyde solutionFormalinMethylene oxide solutionFormic aldehyde aqueousFormol |
| CAS Number | 50-00-0 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless aqueous solution (typically 37-50% formaldehyde) with a pungent, irritating odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 50-85C (122-185F) depending on concentration |
| Boiling Point | 96-101C (205-214F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.03-1.09 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible 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
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to severe irritant/carcinogen
Responders should wear a Level B minimum with SCBA required and chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to the severe irritant and carcinogen properties of formalin.
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
- 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.
- 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 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.
=== 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: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling
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/combustible material.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
— 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/1198 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1198 Formalin (flammable) Cls3 ERG132 | ERG 132: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/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
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1198
Yes, UN 1198 is a flammable liquid that can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
UN 1198 is miscible with water and does not react violently with it, but dilution reduces its flammability.
The recommended PPE for handling UN 1198 includes a Level B minimum with SCBA required and chemical-resistant gloves and suit.
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.