UN 1671 — Phenol, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1671 is Phenol, solid, a toxic corrosive phenolic solid assigned to ERG Guide 153. Skin absorption and chemical burns are major responder concerns even when visible vapor is limited.
Hazard overview: UN 1671 presents phenol poisoning, corrosive burns, combustible fire and contaminated-runoff hazards. Molten material can burn skin and fire may produce toxic smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 1671 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 153. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1671 should emphasize phenol skin absorption, corrosive burns, toxic smoke, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Phenol, solid 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, concentration, 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: Phenol, solid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, acids/bases where incompatible and unauthorized access. Prevent dust release, skin contact and contaminated runoff.
UN 1671 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1671
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE phenolic material; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Skin contact can cause chemical burns and systemic poisoning.
- Combustible solid: may burn under fire conditions.
- Molten material can cause thermal burns as well as toxic skin exposure.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may spread toxic phenolic contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to light pink crystalline solid with a distinctive sweet, tarry odor. Turns pink or red on exposure to light and air.
| Also known as | Carbolic acidHydroxybenzenePhenylic acidBenzenol |
| CAS Number | 108-95-2 |
| Appearance | White to light pink crystalline solid with a distinctive sweet, tarry odor. Turns pink or red on exposure to light and air. |
| Flash Point | 79C (175F) |
| Boiling Point | 182C (360F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.24 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but forms acidic solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1671
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing for dust, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Gloves, boots and suit material should be selected for phenol resistance; prevent skin contact because absorption can be severe.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1671 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers and low areas where practical.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if dust, vapor, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 153, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1671 — Phenol, solidUse 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.