UN 1201 — Fusel oil
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1201 is Fusel oil, a Class 3 flammable alcohol-based liquid assigned to ERG Guide 127. It can generate ignitable vapors and may require alcohol-resistant foam depending on concentration and formulation.
Hazard overview: UN 1201 presents alcohol vapor fire and sewer explosion hazards. Many alcohol-based liquids mix with water, so foam selection, runoff control and SDS verification are important.
Response guidance: For a UN 1201 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 1201 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 127, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Fusel oil 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: Fusel oil 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 1201 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1201
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back.
- Alcohol vapors may collect in low, confined or sewer areas depending on concentration and ventilation.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Alcohol-resistant foam may be needed because many alcohol solutions mix with water.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, disagreeable odor. Mixture of alcohols (primarily isoamyl alcohol, active amyl alcohol, and other higher alcohols) produced during fermentation.
| Also known as | Fusel oilFermentation amyl alcoholPotato oilGrain oilIsoamyl alcohol mixture |
| CAS Number | 8013-75-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, disagreeable odor. Mixture of alcohols (primarily isoamyl alcohol, active amyl alcohol, and other higher alcohols) produced during fermentation. |
| Flash Point | 35C (95F) |
| Boiling Point | 128-132C (262-270F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1201
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, product concentration and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1201 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.
- 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 1201 — Fusel oilUse 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.