☣️ UN 1264 • CLASS 3
UN 1264 — Paraldehyde
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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.
Paraldehyde is a highly flammable liquid used as a sedative and anticonvulsant. It has a strong, characteristic pungent, aromatic odor.
Hazard overview: Paraldehyde is highly flammable and will be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Response guidance: In case of fire, use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, or water spray to extinguish. Isolate the spill area with a 50-meter radius and evacuate if necessary.
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UN 1264 Quick Details
UN 1264
Product name: Paraldehyde
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 129 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider evacuation 300m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 1264
- 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
Paraldehyde is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that is miscible with most organic solvents.
| Also known as | Paracetaldehyde2,4,6-Trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxanePolyacetaldehydeParal |
| CAS Number | 123-63-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, characteristic pungent, aromatic odor. Miscible with most organic solvents. |
| Flash Point | 36°C (97°F) |
| Boiling Point | 124°C (255°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.55 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water (1 part in 8 parts water); slowly decomposes in water forming acetaldehyde |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1264
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required in vapor/fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
A Level B minimum with SCBA is required in vapor or fire conditions, along with chemical-resistant gloves and clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider evacuation 300m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 129).
First Actions for a UN 1264 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).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1264 — ParaldehydeHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1264
Product: Paraldehyde
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 129
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required in vapor/fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
ISOLATION: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider evacuation 300m downwind
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1264 — Paraldehyde
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 129
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, characteristic pungent, aromatic odor. Miscible with most organic solvents.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water (1 part in 8 parts water); slowly decomposes in water forming acetaldehyde
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required in vapor/fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
Isolation: ERG 129: Isolate spill 50m all directions; for large spills consider evacuation 300m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• 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.
— First Actions —
• 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.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/paraldehyde-un-1264 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1264 Paraldehyde Cls3 ERG129 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/paraldehyde-un-1264SMS / 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/paraldehyde-un-1264
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1264
Yes, UN 1264 Paraldehyde is highly flammable.
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.