UN 2493 — Hexamethyleneimine
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 132. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2493 is Hexamethyleneimine, a flammable corrosive amine assigned to ERG Guide 132. Vapor flashback, alkaline burns and contaminated runoff are key concerns.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE and CORROSIVE cyclic amine liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Liquid and vapor can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Response guidance: For UN 2493, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources, keep vapors out of drains and use SCBA. Select foam, dry chemical or CO2 based on SDS and contain contaminated runoff.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2493 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, toxic/corrosive exposure, SCBA use, decontamination, runoff control and foam selection. Use ERG 132, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Hexamethyleneimine is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Hexamethyleneimine should be stored in approved flammable/toxic or corrosive-liquid containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2493 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2493
- FLAMMABLE and CORROSIVE cyclic amine liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Liquid and vapor can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Mixing with water may generate heat and spread alkaline/corrosive contamination.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and corrosive contamination hazards.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an amine-like, fishy odor. Flammable liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | HexahydroazepinePerhydroazepineAzacycloheptaneHomopiperidine |
| CAS Number | 111-49-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an amine-like, fishy odor. Flammable liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 18°C (64°F) |
| Boiling Point | 138°C (280°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water, releasing heat; miscible but may cause exothermic reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2493
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2493 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 132, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2493 — HexamethyleneimineUse 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.