UN 1263 — Paint related material (flammable)
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1263 is Paint related material (flammable), a flammable paint, ink or coating-related material assigned to ERG Guide 128. Because formulations vary, responders should check SDS for solvent content, pigment/additive hazards and foam compatibility.
Hazard overview: UN 1263 presents flammable solvent vapor, flashback and contaminated-runoff hazards. Pigments, resins and solvent blends can vary, so toxicity and fire-control choices should be confirmed from product documents.
Response guidance: For a UN 1263 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 128. 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 1263 should emphasize formulation variability, vapor travel, flashback, sewer explosion risk, foam compatibility and SDS verification. Common errors include assuming all paints/inks use the same solvent blend and allowing contaminated runoff into drains.
Regulatory context: Paint related material (flammable) 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: Paint related material (flammable) 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.
UN 1263 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1263
- FLAMMABLE formulation; exact solvent and additive hazards vary by product.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Most vapors are heavier than air and may spread into low, confined or sewer areas.
- Pigments, resins, solvents or additives may change toxicity, runoff and foam compatibility.
- Liquid may float, spread or form layers depending on formulation.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Viscous liquid, color varies widely (clear to various pigmented colors). Odor ranges from mild to strong solvent-like depending on formulation. Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | PaintPaint thinner mixtureLacquerEnamel paintSolvent-based paintCoating material |
| Appearance | Viscous liquid, color varies widely (clear to various pigmented colors). Odor ranges from mild to strong solvent-like depending on formulation. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Typically -4C to 23C (25F to 73F) depending on solvent content |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically 35C to 150C (95F to 302F) depending on solvent mixture |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 3-5), vapors will accumulate in low areas |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will float |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1263
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid skin contact with liquid and contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1263 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.
- Identify the specific formulation from labels or SDS before choosing foam, decontamination or runoff controls.
- 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 128, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1263 — Paint related material (flammable)Use 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.