UN 1647 — Methyl bromide and ethylene dibromide mixture, liquid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1647 is Methyl bromide and ethylene dibromide mixture, liquid, a highly toxic halogenated liquid mixture assigned to ERG Guide 151. It is dense, heavy-vapor and skin-absorption hazardous, so low areas and runoff need special attention.
Hazard overview: UN 1647 presents toxic vapor, dense-liquid contamination and skin absorption hazards. Heating or fire may produce hydrogen bromide and other toxic/corrosive gases.
Response guidance: For a UN 1647 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1647 should emphasize heavy vapor behavior, dense liquid contamination, toxic fumigant exposure, skin absorption and downwind protective actions. Use ERG 151, SDS and incident command.
Regulatory context: Methyl bromide and ethylene dibromide mixture, liquid 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: Methyl bromide and ethylene dibromide mixture, liquid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from heat, incompatible chemicals and unauthorized access. Secondary containment should account for dense liquid and toxic runoff.
UN 1647 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1647
- HIGHLY TOXIC halogenated liquid mixture; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or poorly ventilated areas.
- Liquid is denser than water and may sink, spreading contamination below the surface.
- Non-flammable under normal conditions, but heating or fire may produce hydrogen bromide and other toxic/corrosive gases.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can continue exposure.
- Runoff may carry toxic contamination to drains or waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with a chloroform-like or sweet odor. Denser than water and will sink.
| Also known as | Methyl bromide-ethylene dibromide mixtureBromomethane-dibromoethane mixtureMeBr-EDB mixtureMethyl bromide/EDB blend |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a chloroform-like or sweet odor. Denser than water and will sink. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (components are non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on mixture ratio; methyl bromide component boils at 4C (39F), ethylene dibromide at 131C (268F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.3-6.5 (heavier than air, vapors will collect in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but slowly hydrolyzes; very low water solubility |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1647
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protective clothing selected by hazmat specialists for any vapor or liquid exposure. Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations because vapors are highly toxic and skin absorption is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1647 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 or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- 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 dust, vapor, fire involvement 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 1647 — Methyl bromide and ethylene dibromide miUse 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.