UN 1978 — Propane
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1978 is Propane, a liquefied petroleum gas assigned to ERG Guide 115. It is extremely flammable, heavier than air and common in transportation, residential and industrial incidents.
Hazard overview: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE liquefied petroleum gas; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and can collect in low areas, drains, basements and confined spaces. Vapor may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Response guidance: For a UN 1978 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 115. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1978 should emphasize flammable gas vapor travel, flashback, source isolation, BLEVE/rocket hazards, container cooling, cryogenic/frostbite risk where applicable and ignition control. Use ERG 115, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Propane is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Propane cylinders or tanks should be stored upright and secured in a cool, ventilated area away from heat, flames, ignition sources, oxidizers and physical damage. Follow local fuel-gas code, relief-valve and separation requirements.
UN 1978 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1978
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE liquefied petroleum gas; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and can collect in low areas, drains, basements and confined spaces.
- Vapor may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Cylinders or tanks exposed to heat may vent, rupture, rocket or BLEVE.
- Contact with liquid propane can cause frostbite and cold burns.
- Propane can displace oxygen in confined spaces at high concentrations.
- Do not extinguish a leaking propane fire unless the gas flow can be stopped safely.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, odorless gas (commercial grades odorized with ethyl mercaptan for leak detection). Shipped as liquefied compressed gas under its own vapor pressure.
| Also known as | Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)Propyl hydrideR-290DimethylmethaneLP gas |
| CAS Number | 74-98-6 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless gas (commercial grades odorized with ethyl mercaptan for leak detection). Shipped as liquefied compressed gas under its own vapor pressure. |
| Flash Point | -104C (-156F) |
| Boiling Point | -42C (-44F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.56 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1978
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear flame-resistant protection and insulated/cryogenic gloves and face protection where liquefied gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1978 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, gas, smoke, mist or dust and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the release or spill area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor accumulation, cylinder/tank heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 115, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1978 — PropaneUse 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.