UN 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Nitroglycerin is a highly volatile and flammable liquid solution that requires careful handling and storage. It is commonly used in the production of explosives and other hazardous materials.
Hazard overview: Nitroglycerin is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Prolonged exposure to nitroglycerin can also cause serious health problems, including headaches and dizziness.
Response guidance: In the event of a nitroglycerin spill, emergency responders should wear Level B protective gear, including SCBA and chemical-resistant suits, and use alcohol-resistant foam to extinguish the fire. The area should be isolated and protected from shock, friction, and heat sources to prevent ignition.
UN 1204 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1204
- 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
Nitroglycerin is a clear to pale yellow liquid solution with a characteristic alcohol odor, dissolved in ethanol or other alcohol at very low concentrations.
| Also known as | Glyceryl trinitrate solution1,2,3-Propanetriol trinitrate in alcoholTrinitroglycerin solutionNG in alcohol |
| CAS Number | 55-63-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with characteristic alcohol odor. The nitroglycerin is dissolved in ethanol or other alcohol at very low concentrations (≤1%). |
| Flash Point | Approximately 13C (55F), determined by the alcohol solvent |
| Boiling Point | 78C (172F), primarily reflects the ethanol carrier |
| Vapor Density | 1.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though nitroglycerin may separate from solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1204
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective gear, including SCBA and chemical-resistant suits, when handling nitroglycerin spills or fires.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1204 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 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, withUse 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.