☣️ UN 1510 • CLASS 6
UN 1510 — Tetranitromethane
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 143. 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.
Tetranitromethane is a highly reactive and toxic substance used in various applications. It is crucial to handle it with extreme care due to its oxidizing and toxic properties.
Hazard overview: Tetranitromethane may explode from friction, heat, or contamination and accelerates burning in fires. It also hydrolyzes slowly in water producing nitric acid.
Response guidance: In case of a fire, use dry chemical, CO2, or sand to extinguish. Do not use water or foam due to potential violent reaction with contaminants.
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UN 1510 Quick Details
UN 1510
Product name: Tetranitromethane
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 143 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 143: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind; treat as potential explosive
Common Hazards of UN 1510
- May explode from friction, heat or contamination.
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Tetranitromethane appears as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor.
| Also known as | TNMTetranitromethaneCarbon tetranitrideTetan |
| CAS Number | 509-14-8 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly unstable and shock-sensitive oxidizer that is denser than water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer, not flammable but supports combustion) |
| Boiling Point | 126C (259F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.9 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water producing nitric acid; avoid prolonged contact |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1510
Extinguishing Media
Do not use water or foam; use dry chemical, CO2, or sand only; water may cause violent reaction with contaminants
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required; full encapsulation with SCBA; extremely toxic vapor and skin absorption hazard; shock-sensitive
Wear Level A required with full encapsulation and SCBA due to extremely toxic vapor and skin absorption hazard, and shock-sensitivity.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 143: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind; treat as potential explosive
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 143).
First Actions for a UN 1510 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1510 — TetranitromethaneHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1510
Product: Tetranitromethane
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 143
PPE: Level A required; full encapsulation with SCBA; extremely toxic vapor and skin absorption hazard; shock-sensitive
ISOLATION: ERG 143: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind; treat as potential explosive
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1510 — Tetranitromethane
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 143
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly unstable and shock-sensitive oxidizer that is denser than water.
Water Reactivity: Hydrolyzes slowly in water producing nitric acid; avoid prolonged contact
Extinguishing: Do not use water or foam; use dry chemical, CO2, or sand only; water may cause violent reaction with contaminants
PPE: Level A required; full encapsulation with SCBA; extremely toxic vapor and skin absorption hazard; shock-sensitive
Isolation: ERG 143: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind; treat as potential explosive
— Key Hazards —
• May explode from friction, heat or contamination.
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1510 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1510 Tetranitromethane Cls6 ERG143 | ERG 143: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1510SMS / 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/tetranitromethane-un-1510
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1510
Yes, it may explode from friction, heat, or contamination.
No, use dry chemical, CO2, or sand instead.
It appears as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, acrid odor.
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.