UN 3064 — Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with more than 1% but not more than 5% nitroglycerin
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3064 is Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with more than 1% but not more than 5% nitroglycerin, a flammable alcohol solution containing nitroglycerin assigned to ERG Guide 127. Heat, shock and solvent vapors require control.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE alcohol solution containing nitroglycerin; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Heat, shock, friction, contamination or confinement can increase decomposition or explosion risk. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Response guidance: For UN 3064, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where vapor, dust, mist or fire is present. Contain runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 127.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3064 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package verification. Use ERG 127, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with more than 1% but not more than 5% nitroglycerin is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitroglycerin, solution in alcohol, with more than 1% but not more than 5% nitroglycerin should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3064 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3064
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE alcohol solution containing nitroglycerin; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Heat, shock, friction, contamination or confinement can increase decomposition or explosion risk.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Alcohol solvent may spread fire through drains or low areas.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and toxic smoke.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Exact nitroglycerin concentration and solvent composition must be verified from shipping papers and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with a sweet, burning taste. Alcohol solution may have a characteristic alcoholic odor. Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Glyceryl trinitrateNGGTNTrinitroglycerin1,2,3-Propanetriol trinitrateNitroglycerine alcohol solution |
| CAS Number | 55-63-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid solution with a sweet, burning taste. Alcohol solution may have a characteristic alcoholic odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -18C (0F) to 13C (55F) depending on alcohol concentration |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling; nitroglycerin decomposes at 50-60C) |
| Vapor Density | Approximately 2.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but nitroglycerin is only slightly soluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3064
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3064 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 127, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3064 — 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.