☣️ UN 1204 • CLASS 3

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.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

UN 1204 is Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 127. It can generate vapors that ignite easily, travel to ignition sources and flash back.

Hazard overview: UN 1204 presents flammable vapor, flashback and container-heating hazards. Vapors are typically heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas where ignition can cause a vapor explosion.

Response guidance: For a UN 1204 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. 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 1204 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 127, SDS and local SOP.

Regulatory context: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.

Storage & handling: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials, with bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.

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UN 1204 Quick Details

UN 1204
Product name: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard

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 an ignition source and flash back.
  • Most vapors are heavier than air and may spread along the ground into low or confined areas.
  • Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
  • Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may rupture or explode when heated.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with characteristic alcohol odor. The nitroglycerin is dissolved in ethanol or other alcohol at very low concentrations (≤1%).

Also known asGlyceryl trinitrate solution1,2,3-Propanetriol trinitrate in alcoholTrinitroglycerin solutionNG in alcohol
CAS Number55-63-0
AppearanceClear to pale yellow liquid solution with characteristic alcohol odor. The nitroglycerin is dissolved in ethanol or other alcohol at very low concentrations (≤1%).
Flash PointApproximately 13C (55F), determined by the alcohol solvent
Boiling Point78C (172F), primarily reflects the ethanol carrier
Vapor Density1.6 (heavier than air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water, though nitroglycerin may separate from solution
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1204

Extinguishing Media

Use AFFF or alcohol-resistant foam where compatible, dry chemical or CO2 for Class B fires; water spray may be used to cool exposed containers.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations

Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, product concentration and incident command.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).

First Actions for a UN 1204 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.
  • 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 127, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1204 Product: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127 PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations ISOLATION: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1204 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127 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%). Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, though nitroglycerin may separate from solution Extinguishing: Use AFFF or alcohol-resistant foam where compatible, dry chemical or CO2 for Class B fires; water spray may be used to cool exposed containers. PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; nitroglycerin is both flammable and shock-sensitive even at low concentrations Isolation: ERG 127: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protect from shock, friction, and heat sources; treat as both flammable liquid and potential explosive hazard — Key Hazards — • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. • Vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back. — First Actions — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/nitroglycerin-solution-in-alcohol-un-1204 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1204 Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin Cls3 ERG127 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/nitroglycerin-solution-in-alcohol-un-1204SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/nitroglycerin-solution-in-alcohol-un-1204

Related UN Numbers in Class 3

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1204

UN 1204 is Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with not more than 1% nitroglycerin, a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 127.

Yes. It is flammable and vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.

ERG Guide 127 applies to UN 1204 and should be used for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

UN 1204 presents flammable vapor, flashback and container-heating hazards. Vapors are typically heavier than air and may collect in low, confined or sewer areas where ignition can cause a vapor explosion.

Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, product concentration and incident command.

Responders should isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, eliminate ignition sources when safe, prevent sewer entry, verify the product with SDS and follow ERG Guide 127, incident command and local SOP.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.