UN 1267 — Petroleum crude oil
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Petroleum crude oil is a highly flammable liquid with a DOT class of 3. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with a variable boiling range, which makes it a challenging substance to handle. Crude oil is widely used as a fuel and is produced on a large scale. First responders may encounter crude oil in various scenarios, including pipeline ruptures, tanker spills, and fires. The scale of production and transport of crude oil is significant, with millions of barrels being transported every day. Crude oil is a hazardous substance that requires special handling and precautions to prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury or death.
Hazard overview: Petroleum crude oil 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 a crude oil spill, initially isolate the area 50m in all directions. For large spills, isolate 100m, and if a tank or railcar is involved in a fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation. Use alcohol-resistant AFFF foam, protein foam, CO2, or dry chemical for suppression, and water spray for cooling only. Ventilate closed spaces before entering, and use SCBA in vapor areas. Decontamination is crucial, and CHEMTREC should be contacted for guidance. It is essential to follow the isolation distances and use the correct suppression agents to prevent further accidents and minimize the risk of injury or death.
Firefighter training notes: First responders should be trained in the competency requirements for handling crude oil emergencies, including the use of correct PPE and suppression agents. A common tactical error is using water jets for suppression, which can spread the fire and make the situation worse. ICS positions, such as the incident commander and safety officer, should be aware of the hazards and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective response. Mutual aid criteria should also be established to ensure that additional resources are available if needed.
Regulatory context: Petroleum crude oil is classified as a DOT class 3 flammable liquid. The OSHA PEL for crude oil is not well-established, but it is considered a hazardous substance under the CERCLA list. It is essential to follow the regulations and guidelines set by the DOT and OSHA to ensure safe handling and transportation of crude oil.
Storage & handling: Petroleum crude oil should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as oxidizers and ignition sources. The temperature limit for storage should not exceed 30°C (86°F), and the container should be designed to prevent leakage and spills. Regular inspections and maintenance of storage facilities are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations.
UN 1267 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1267
- 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
Petroleum crude oil is a dark brown to black viscous liquid with a characteristic petroleum odor. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons with varying viscosity depending on the source and composition. The flash point of crude oil ranges from -35°C to 32°C (-31°F to 90°F), and its boiling point ranges from 38°C to 400°C (100°F to 750°F). The vapor pressure of crude oil is relatively high, which contributes to its flammability and potential for vapor explosions.
| Also known as | Crude oilCrude petroleumPetroleumRock oilMineral oil (crude)Fossil oil |
| CAS Number | 8002-05-9 |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black viscous liquid with characteristic petroleum odor. Mixture of hydrocarbons with varying viscosity depending on source and composition. |
| Flash Point | -35°C to 32°C (-31°F to 90°F) depending on composition and vapor pressure |
| Boiling Point | Wide range 38°C to 400°C (100°F to 750°F) depending on hydrocarbon fractions present |
| Vapor Density | 3-4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water. Floats on water surface and spreads rapidly. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1267
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
A minimum of Level B PPE is recommended for crude oil spill response, including a chemical-resistant suit and SCBA. Splash-resistant chemical suits are recommended for spill control, and it is essential to avoid all ignition sources. The use of proper PPE is crucial to prevent skin contact and inhalation of vapors, which can cause serious health effects. It is also essential to ensure that the PPE is compatible with the substance and the environment in which it is being used.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1267 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).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1267 — Petroleum crude oilUse 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.