UN 1851 — Medicine, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1851 is Medicine, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s., a toxic liquid n.o.s. assigned to ERG Guide 151. The actual active ingredient and solvent system must be confirmed from shipping papers and SDS.
Hazard overview: UN 1851 presents poisonous liquid exposure, dermal absorption, inhalation and formulation-dependent fire hazards. Solvent-based medicines may add flammable vapor risk.
Response guidance: For a UN 1851 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. 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 1851 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Medicine, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. 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: Medicine, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated hazardous-material area according to SDS and local procedures.
UN 1851 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1851
- TOXIC liquid, n.o.s.; may be harmful or fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Exact hazards depend on the medicinal active ingredient, solvent and concentration.
- Some formulations may contain flammable solvents and produce explosive vapor-air mixtures.
- Skin contact may be a major exposure route for some poisonous liquids.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic pharmaceutical or solvent contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific formulation; typically clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor. Physical properties vary widely based on active ingredient and formulation.
| Also known as | Poisonous medicinal liquidToxic pharmaceutical solutionMedicinal preparation, liquid, toxicPharmaceutical liquid, poisonous |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific formulation; typically clear to colored liquid with characteristic medicinal or solvent odor. Physical properties vary widely based on active ingredient and formulation. |
| Flash Point | Variable - depends on formulation and solvent base; many pharmaceutical liquids contain flammable solvents with flash points ranging from <0°C to >60°C |
| Boiling Point | Variable - depends on formulation; typically ranges from 50°C to 150°C (122°F to 302°F) based on solvent system |
| Vapor Density | Variable - typically 2-4 (heavier than air) for alcohol-based formulations; depends on solvent composition |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water; however, dilution does not reduce toxicity and may facilitate absorption |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1851
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant clothing and gloves should be selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact until the active ingredient and solvent are confirmed.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1851 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.
- 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 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1851 — Medicine, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.Use 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.