UN 1061 — Methylamine, anhydrous
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 118. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1061 Methylamine, anhydrous, is an extremely flammable gas that can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and is commonly used in various industrial applications, requiring careful handling and storage to prevent accidents. The strong fishy or ammonia-like odor of methylamine can also indicate its presence and potential hazards.
Hazard overview: Methylamine is extremely flammable and can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and may also release toxic fumes when exposed to heat or flames. Prolonged exposure to methylamine can also lead to health risks, emphasizing the need for caution when handling this substance.
Response guidance: In case of a spill or leak, it is essential to isolate the area immediately, using ERG 118 guidelines, and evacuate the surrounding area if necessary. Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective gear, including SCBA, to prevent exposure to the flammable gas and potential fire hazards.
UN 1061 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1061
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Some of these materials may react violently with water.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Methylamine is a colorless compressed gas with a strong fishy or ammonia-like odor, shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure.
| Also known as | MonomethylamineMethanamineAminomethaneMMA |
| CAS Number | 74-89-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless compressed gas with a strong fishy or ammonia-like odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure. |
| Flash Point | -10C (14F) |
| Boiling Point | -6.3C (20.7F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.08 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Highly soluble in water forming alkaline solution; no violent reaction but releases heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1061
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective gear, including SCBA, full chemical protective clothing for liquid contact, and cold-resistant gear for cryogenic exposure to prevent exposure to the flammable gas and potential fire hazards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1061 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 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1061 — Methylamine, anhydrousUse 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.