UN 1210 — Printing ink related material, flammable
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1210 is Printing ink related material, flammable, a flammable printing ink or ink-related solvent mixture assigned to ERG Guide 129. Because formulations vary, responders should check SDS for solvent content, pigment/additive hazards and foam compatibility.
Hazard overview: UN 1210 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 1210 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 129. 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 1210 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 129, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Printing ink 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: Printing ink 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 1210 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1210
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid or solvent mixture; vapors may ignite easily.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Vapors may collect in low, confined or sewer areas depending on formulation and ventilation.
- Alcohol or solvent mixtures may be partly or fully water-miscible and can spread with runoff.
- Liquid or vapor may irritate eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on formulation; typically colored liquid (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, or other colors) with characteristic solvent odor. May range from thin to viscous consistency at room temperature.
| Also known as | Printing inkInk related compoundFlammable printing ink mixtureInk solvent mixturePrinting ink thinner |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on formulation; typically colored liquid (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, or other colors) with characteristic solvent odor. May range from thin to viscous consistency at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Below 23C (73F) - typically ranges from -4C to 23C (25F to 73F) depending on solvent composition |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically 50-150C (122-302F) depending on solvent mixture; initial boiling point may be lower for volatile components |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (>1) - vapors will settle in low areas and confined spaces |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will float on water surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1210
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 using SDS, product concentration and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1210 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.
- 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 129, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1210 — Printing ink related material, flammableUse 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.