☣️ UN 1248 • CLASS 3
UN 1248 — Methyl propionate
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ 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.
Methyl propionate is a highly flammable liquid that can cause severe health effects. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor.
Hazard overview: Methyl propionate is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may also cause skin and eye irritation.
Response guidance: In case of emergency, evacuate the area and provide medical attention immediately. Use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, or water spray to extinguish fires.
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UN 1248 Quick Details
UN 1248
Product name: Methyl propionate
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 129 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 1248
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Methyl propionate is a colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor.
| Also known as | Propionic acid methyl esterMethyl propanoateMethylpropionat |
| CAS Number | 554-12-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -2C (28F) |
| Boiling Point | 79C (174F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction. Floats on water. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1248
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for spill response
Wear Level B PPE, including a chemically resistant suit, SCBA, and splash goggles.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 129).
First Actions for a UN 1248 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1248 — Methyl propionateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1248
Product: Methyl propionate
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 129
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for spill response
ISOLATION: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1248 — Methyl propionate
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 129
Appearance: Colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Insoluble in water; no significant reaction. Floats on water.
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; chemical-resistant gloves and suit for spill response
Isolation: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
• Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/methyl-propionate-un-1248 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1248 Methyl propionate Cls3 ERG129 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/methyl-propionate-un-1248SMS / 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/methyl-propionate-un-1248
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1248
Yes, methyl propionate is highly flammable.
Yes, methyl propionate vapors may cause skin and eye irritation.
Yes, methyl propionate vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
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.