UN 1071 — Oil gas, compressed
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1071 is Oil gas, compressed, a Class 2 toxic flammable gas mixture assigned to ERG Guide 119. Composition can vary, so responders should treat it as a toxic, flammable hydrocarbon gas until confirmed by shipping papers and monitoring.
Hazard overview: UN 1071 may present both toxic inhalation and flammable vapor-cloud hazards. Vapors can collect in low areas, ignite at a distance and flash back, while the exact toxicity and composition should be verified from shipping papers, SDS and monitoring.
Response guidance: For a UN 1071 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings and ERG Guide 119. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, use atmospheric monitoring, control ignition sources when safe and require SCBA for suspected exposure areas.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1071 should emphasize combined toxic and flammable gas risk, atmospheric monitoring, ignition control and SCBA use. Common errors include treating the release only as a fire problem, relying on odor, entering without monitoring and failing to control ignition sources.
Regulatory context: Oil gas, compressed is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Oil gas, compressed cylinders or containers should be stored secured, well ventilated and away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, incompatible gases and physical damage. Storage areas should control leaks, cylinder impact, unauthorized access and accumulation of gas in low or confined spaces.
UN 1071 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1071
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
- Flammable gas; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May form explosive mixtures with air.
- Odor may be strong at low concentrations but should not be used as the only warning method.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow compressed gas mixture with a characteristic petroleum or hydrocarbon odor. Heavier than air when released.
| Also known as | Oil gasCompressed oil gasPetroleum gas mixtureRefinery gasLight hydrocarbon gas mixture |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow compressed gas mixture with a characteristic petroleum or hydrocarbon odor. Heavier than air when released. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically -160C to -42C (-256F to -44F) depending on composition |
| Vapor Density | 1.5-2.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1071
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Positive-pressure SCBA is essential for suspected toxic gas exposure. Chemical suit selection depends on the product, concentration and cylinder condition; respiratory protection, monitoring, exclusion zones and ignition control are the key safeguards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1071 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.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid breathing gas and eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Use atmospheric monitoring when available because toxic and flammable hazards may both be present.
- 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 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- Use ERG Guide 119, shipping papers, SDS and incident command for evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1071 — Oil gas, compressedUse 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.