UN 1249 — Methyl propyl ketone
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Methyl propyl ketone is a highly flammable liquid used in various industrial applications. It is essential to handle this substance with caution to prevent accidents.
Hazard overview: Methyl propyl ketone is highly flammable and can easily ignite by heat, sparks, or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, posing a significant risk.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department. Use AFFF foam, alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, or dry chemical to extinguish Class B fires.
UN 1249 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1249
- 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 propyl ketone is a colorless liquid with a sweet, acetone-like odor and is volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | 2-PentanoneEthyl acetoneMethyl n-propyl ketoneMPKPentanone-2 |
| CAS Number | 107-87-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a sweet, acetone-like odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 7°C (45°F) |
| Boiling Point | 102°C (216°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1249
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Wear Level B minimum personal protective equipment, including SCBA, chemical-resistant gloves, and a suit, especially in confined spaces or high vapor concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1249 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).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1249 — Methyl propyl ketoneUse 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.