UN 1863 — Fuel, aviation, turbine engine
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1863 is Fuel, aviation, turbine engine, a Class 3 petroleum aviation fuel assigned to ERG Guide 128. It behaves like kerosene-type jet fuel with flammable/combustible vapor, spill fire and environmental hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1863 presents petroleum vapor, flashback, burning slick, sewer vapor and container-heating hazards. Liquid can float on water and spread fire or contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1863 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 128. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1863 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, spill containment and ignition control. Use ERG 128, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Fuel, aviation, turbine engine 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, concentration, 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: Fuel, aviation, turbine engine should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers or tanks with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1863 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1863
- FLAMMABLE/combustible petroleum liquid; vapors may ignite when heated, spilled or aerosolized.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists in low areas, drains, confined spaces and sewers.
- Liquid floats on water and can spread as a burning slick.
- Fire may produce irritating and toxic smoke including carbon monoxide.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Runoff to sewers or waterways may create fire, explosion and environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to straw-colored liquid with a characteristic petroleum/kerosene odor. Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Jet fuelAviation turbine fuelJet AJet A-1JP-8Kerosene-type jet fuelAviation kerosene |
| CAS Number | 8008-20-6 |
| Appearance | Clear to straw-colored liquid with a characteristic petroleum/kerosene odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 38-65C (100-149F) depending on grade |
| Boiling Point | 150-300C (302-572F) range |
| Vapor Density | 4-5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; floats and forms slick |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1863
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1863 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 128, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1863 — Fuel, aviation, turbine engineUse 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.