UN 1259 — Nickel carbonyl
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Nickel carbonyl, also known as Nickel tetracarbonyl, is a highly toxic organometallic compound with the UN number 1259 and DOT class 6. It is used in the production of nickel and other chemicals. First responders may encounter this substance during transportation accidents or industrial incidents. The scale of production and transport of nickel carbonyl is significant, with thousands of tons being moved annually. Nickel carbonyl is a colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a musty, sooty odor. It is highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. The substance is also highly flammable and can ignite easily, producing toxic gases. Nickel carbonyl is a significant hazard to first responders due to its high toxicity and flammability.
Hazard overview: Nickel carbonyl is toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with this substance will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
Response guidance: In the event of a nickel carbonyl spill or leak, first responders should isolate the area immediately for at least 100m in all directions and evacuate the public up to 300m in all directions. If a tank or rail car is involved in a fire, the isolation distance should be increased to 800m, and evacuation should be considered up to 1600m. The correct suppression agent for nickel carbonyl is CO2, dry chemical, or water spray, and alcohol-resistant foam may be used. Decontamination is critical, and first responders should use specialized chemical-resistant materials to avoid exposure. CHEMTREC should be contacted immediately in the event of a significant spill or leak.
Firefighter training notes: First responders should be trained to recognize the hazards of nickel carbonyl and take immediate action to isolate the area and evacuate the public. A common tactical error is underestimating the toxicity of the substance and not wearing adequate PPE. ICS position needs include a hazardous materials team with specialized training and equipment. Mutual aid criteria should include the availability of specialized PPE and decontamination equipment.
Regulatory context: Nickel carbonyl is classified as a DOT class 6 substance, indicating a toxic material. The OSHA PEL for nickel carbonyl is 0.007 mg/m3, and the TLV is 0.007 mg/m3. The substance is also listed on the CERCLA list as a hazardous substance.
Storage & handling: Nickel carbonyl should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials such as strong acids and bases. The temperature limit for storage is not explicitly stated, but it is known to be sensitive to heat. The top 3 incompatible materials for nickel carbonyl are strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizers. Ventilation standards should include a system that can remove toxic gases, and containers should be made of a material that is resistant to the substance.
UN 1259 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1259
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Nickel carbonyl is a colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a musty, sooty odor. The flash point of nickel carbonyl is -20C (-4F), and the boiling point is 43C (109F). The vapor pressure of the substance is not explicitly stated, but it is known to readily vaporize at room temperature. The specific gravity of nickel carbonyl is not explicitly stated, but it is known to be highly dense.
| 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
Level A PPE is required for significant exposures to nickel carbonyl, including a fully encapsulating suit with SCBA. The substance is extremely toxic by inhalation, even at very low concentrations, and specialized chemical-resistant materials are needed to prevent exposure. The SCBA type should be compatible with the high toxicity of the substance, and the suit material should be resistant to the chemical. Gloves should be made of a material that is resistant to the substance, such as butyl rubber or neoprene.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1259 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.
- 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 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.