☣️ UN 1220 • CLASS 3

UN 1220 — Isopropyl acetate

Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

🚒☣️
⚠️ 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 1220 is Isopropyl acetate, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 129. It can generate vapors that ignite easily, travel to ignition sources and flash back.

Hazard overview: UN 1220 presents flammable vapor, flashback and container-heating hazards. Vapors are typically heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas where ignition can cause a vapor explosion.

Response guidance: For a UN 1220 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 129. 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 1220 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 129, SDS and local SOP.

Regulatory context: Isopropyl acetate 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: Isopropyl acetate 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.

Advertisement

UN 1220 Quick Details

UN 1220
Product name: Isopropyl acetate
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 129 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m and evacuate

Common Hazards of UN 1220

  • 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.
  • Most vapors are heavier than air and may spread along the ground into low or confined areas.
  • 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.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Colorless liquid with a fruity, ester-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.

Also known as2-Propyl acetateAcetic acid isopropyl esterIsopropyl ethanoate2-Acetoxypropane
CAS Number108-21-4
AppearanceColorless liquid with a fruity, ester-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
Flash Point-6C (21F)
Boiling Point89C (192F)
Vapor Density3.5 (heavier than air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction; slightly soluble in water
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1220

Extinguishing Media

Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 when compatible; water spray may be used from a protected position to cool exposed containers.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum in spill situations; SCBA and chemical-resistant suit recommended for large releases or confined spaces

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

ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m and evacuate
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 129).

First Actions for a UN 1220 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 129, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
Advertisement

📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1220 — Isopropyl acetate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1220 Product: Isopropyl acetate Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 129 PPE: Level B minimum in spill situations; SCBA and chemical-resistant suit recommended for large releases or confined spaces ISOLATION: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m and evacuate 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 1220 — Isopropyl acetate Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 129 Appearance: Colorless liquid with a fruity, ester-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water Extinguishing: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 when compatible; water spray may be used from a protected position to cool exposed containers. PPE: Level B minimum in spill situations; SCBA and chemical-resistant suit recommended for large releases or confined spaces Isolation: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m and evacuate — Key Hazards — • 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. — 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/isopropyl-acetate-un-1220 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

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

SMS (short)
UN1220 Isopropyl acetate Cls3 ERG129 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/isopropyl-acetate-un-1220SMS / 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/isopropyl-acetate-un-1220

Related UN Numbers in Class 3

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1220

UN 1220 is Isopropyl acetate, a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 129.

Yes. It is flammable and vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.

ERG Guide 129 applies to UN 1220 for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

UN 1220 presents flammable vapor, flashback and container-heating hazards. Vapors are typically heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas where ignition can cause a vapor explosion.

Colorless liquid with a fruity, ester-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
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.