UN 1062 — Methyl bromide
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 123. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1062 is Methyl bromide, a Class 2 toxic gas assigned to ERG Guide 123. It is a highly hazardous fumigant-type gas where inhalation and skin absorption can be serious even when odor warning is poor.
Hazard overview: UN 1062 presents a severe toxic gas hazard. Methyl bromide vapor can be dangerous at concentrations that may not provide reliable odor warning, and liquefied gas contact can cause frostbite; fire may create additional toxic or corrosive decomposition products.
Response guidance: For a UN 1062 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 123. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, use air monitoring when available, avoid vapor or liquid contact and consult ERG Table 1 when applicable.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1062 should emphasize compressed/liquefied gas pressure hazards, low-area vapor accumulation, frostbite, cylinder heating and toxic decomposition products during fire. Common errors include entering confined spaces without SCBA, ignoring oxygen monitoring and standing too close to heated cylinders.
Regulatory context: Methyl bromide is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Methyl bromide cylinders or devices should be stored secured in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from heat, physical damage and incompatible materials. Storage areas should prevent cylinder impact, valve damage, unauthorized access and gas accumulation in low or confined spaces.
UN 1062 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1062
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
- Dangerous concentrations may have little or unreliable odor warning.
- Vapors may be irritating and may cause serious neurologic or respiratory effects.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent toxic gas or rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless gas or volatile liquid (below 4°C) with a chloroform-like odor at high concentrations; often odorless at dangerous concentrations. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.
| Also known as | BromomethaneMonobromomethaneTerabolHalon 1001EmbafumeMethogas |
| CAS Number | 74-83-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas or volatile liquid (below 4°C) with a chloroform-like odor at high concentrations; often odorless at dangerous concentrations. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | 4°C (39°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.3 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; hydrolyzes slowly to form methanol and hydrobromic acid; no violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1062
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Positive-pressure SCBA is required for suspected toxic gas exposure. Chemical protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results, concentration, skin absorption risk and incident command; Level A may be needed for close entry into unknown or high-concentration vapor.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1062 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.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid breathing gas, vapor, mist or fire gases.
- Many toxic or liquefied gases may spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
- 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 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- Use ERG Guide 123, shipping papers, SDS, monitoring and incident command for evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1062 — Methyl bromideUse 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.