☣️ UN 1700 • CLASS 6

UN 1700 — Tear gas grenades

Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 159. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

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.

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UN 1700 Quick Details

UN 1700
Product name: Tear gas grenades
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 159 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation

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 asTear gas grenadesCS grenadesCN grenadesLachrymatory agent grenadesRiot control grenades
AppearanceTear 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 PointNot applicable (pyrotechnic device)
Boiling PointNot applicable (pyrotechnic device)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (deployed as aerosol/particulate)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water; water may help disperse aerosol
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1700

Extinguishing Media

Use dry chemical, CO2 or sand for device fires when safe and directed by incident command. Avoid handling intact or damaged devices; water or foam use should follow device-specific guidance and explosive/pyrotechnic precautions.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure

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

ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 159).

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.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1700 — Tear gas grenades
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1700 Product: Tear gas grenades Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 159 PPE: Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure ISOLATION: ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1700 — Tear gas grenades Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 159 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. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; water may help disperse aerosol Extinguishing: Use dry chemical, CO2 or sand for device fires when safe and directed by incident command. Avoid handling intact or damaged devices; water or foam use should follow device-specific guidance and explosive/pyrotechnic precautions. PPE: Level A or B recommended; full face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge minimum; SCBA required in high concentrations; protective clothing to prevent skin exposure Isolation: ERG 159: Initial isolation 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind during day, consider evacuation — Key Hazards — • 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. — First Actions — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/tear-gas-grenades-un-1700 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1700 Tear gas grenades Cls6 ERG159 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/tear-gas-grenades-un-1700SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/tear-gas-grenades-un-1700

Related UN Numbers in Class 6

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1700

UN 1700 is Tear gas grenades, a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 159.

The active irritant may not ignite readily, but the grenade or device may include pyrotechnic components and can be hazardous in fire.

ERG Guide 159 applies to UN 1700 for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

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.

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.

Irritant aerosol or vapor can build up in enclosed spaces, causing severe eye and respiratory effects even when outdoor exposure might be brief.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.