UN 1700 — Tear gas grenades
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 159. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1700 is Tear gas grenades, a toxic irritant device entry assigned to ERG Guide 159. The main hazards are tear gas aerosol/smoke exposure, device damage and enclosed-space accumulation.
Hazard overview: UN 1700 presents severe eye and respiratory irritation, smoke/aerosol spread and device-handling hazards. Do not handle intact or damaged devices unless trained and authorized by incident command.
Response guidance: For a UN 1700 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 159. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust, vapor or aerosol exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1700 should emphasize device hazards, irritant aerosol/smoke movement, enclosed-space exposure, PPE selection, decontamination and safe non-handling of damaged devices. Use ERG 159, SDS and incident command.
Regulatory context: Tear gas grenades 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: Tear gas grenades should be stored in secure, compatible containers or approved device packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources where relevant, oxidizers and unauthorized access. Prevent damaged packaging, leaks, aerosol release and contaminated residues.
UN 1700 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1700
- IRRITANT tear gas device; deployed aerosol or smoke can cause severe eye and respiratory irritation.
- May cause burning eyes, tearing, coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
- Exposure in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas can be very harmful.
- Devices may contain pyrotechnic components; heat, fire or damaged devices can increase hazards.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff or residues may spread irritant contamination.
- Do not handle intact or damaged devices unless trained and authorized.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Tear gas grenades are solid devices containing various irritant chemicals (commonly CS or CN compounds). The active agents are typically white to pale yellow crystalline solids that produce an irritating aerosol or smoke when deployed.
| Also known as | Tear gas grenadesCS grenadesCN grenadesLachrymatory agent grenadesRiot control grenades |
| Appearance | Tear gas grenades are solid devices containing various irritant chemicals (commonly CS or CN compounds). The active agents are typically white to pale yellow crystalline solids that produce an irritating aerosol or smoke when deployed. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (deployed as aerosol/particulate) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; water may help disperse aerosol |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1700
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for high concentrations, smoke, aerosol, fire or enclosed-space exposure. Full-face respiratory protection and chemical-resistant clothing should be selected by SDS and incident command; protect eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1700 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, mist, aerosol or smoke and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not move, open or handle intact or damaged devices unless trained and authorized by incident command.
- 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 vapor, dust, aerosol, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 159, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1700 — Tear gas grenadesUse 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.