UN 1259 — Nickel carbonyl
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1259 is Nickel carbonyl, an extremely toxic and flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 131. It vaporizes readily at room temperature, so inhalation exposure and contamination control are the main responder priorities.
Hazard overview: UN 1259 presents severe toxic inhalation, flammable vapor and contamination hazards. Nickel carbonyl vapor can be dangerous at very low concentrations, may collect in low areas and can produce toxic nickel compounds and carbon monoxide in fire.
Response guidance: For a UN 1259 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 131. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors or runoff out of sewers and use compatible fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1259 should emphasize extreme inhalation toxicity, vapor monitoring, isolation, decontamination and specialist hazmat entry control. Common errors include relying on odor, underestimating vapor spread and treating the material as an ordinary flammable liquid. Use ERG 131, SDS and hazmat SOP.
Regulatory context: Nickel carbonyl is regulated as a highly toxic hazardous material and may have strict occupational exposure, environmental, reporting, storage and waste controls. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nickel carbonyl should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated secure area with exposure controls, secondary containment and drain protection. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1259 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1259
- EXTREMELY TOXIC and FLAMMABLE; may be fatal at very low airborne concentrations.
- Vapors are much heavier than air and may collect in low, enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
- Liquid readily vaporizes at room temperature and can create a severe inhalation hazard.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and travel to ignition sources.
- Fire may produce toxic nickel compounds and carbon monoxide.
- Runoff and contaminated equipment may create persistent toxic contamination.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a musty, sooty odor. Highly toxic organometallic compound that readily vaporizes at room temperature.
| Also known as | Nickel tetracarbonylTetracarbonylnickelNickel carbonyl (Ni(CO)4)NCO |
| CAS Number | 13463-39-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a musty, sooty odor. Highly toxic organometallic compound that readily vaporizes at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -20C (-4F) |
| Boiling Point | 43C (109F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.9 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but hydrolyzes slowly in moist air forming toxic nickel compounds and carbon monoxide |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1259
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protection selected by hazmat specialists for any potential exposure. Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations; PPE, monitoring and decontamination should follow SDS, incident command and specialized nickel carbonyl procedures.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1259 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled liquid unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin or eye contact with liquid.
- 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 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For large spills, fire involvement or strong vapor movement, expand isolation and consider downwind evacuation based on monitoring and incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 131, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1259 — Nickel carbonylUse 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.