☣️ UN 1839 • CLASS 8
UN 1839 — Trichloroacetic acid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. 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.
Trichloroacetic acid is a colorless to white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor. It is highly corrosive and toxic, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.
Hazard overview: Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with trichloroacetic acid can cause severe injury or death. Methyl bromoacetate, a related compound, is an eye irritant and lachrymator.
Response guidance: In the event of a spill, isolate the area immediately to prevent further contamination. Emergency responders should wear Level B protective gear, including a full face shield and acid-resistant gloves, to mitigate exposure risks.
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UN 1839 Quick Details
UN 1839
Product name: Trichloroacetic acid
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 153 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 153: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Common Hazards of UN 1839
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Trichloroacetic acid is a deliquescent, corrosive solid that absorbs moisture from the air.
| Also known as | TCATrichloroethanoic acidAceto-caustinTrichloressigsäure |
| CAS Number | 76-03-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless to white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor. Deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air). Corrosive. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | 197C (387F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, but vapors heavier than air when heated) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, forming a strongly acidic and corrosive solution. No violent reaction but generates heat. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1839
Extinguishing Media
Use water spray to cool containers; dry chemical or CO2 for small fires. Avoid direct water jet on solid.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum for liquid/solution contact; full face shield, acid-resistant gloves, apron; SCBA for vapor exposure or confined space
Level B protective gear, including a full face shield and acid-resistant gloves, is required to handle trichloroacetic acid due to its corrosive properties.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 153: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 153).
First Actions for a UN 1839 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 1839 — Trichloroacetic acidHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1839
Product: Trichloroacetic acid
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 153
PPE: Level B minimum for liquid/solution contact; full face shield, acid-resistant gloves, apron; SCBA for vapor exposure or confined space
ISOLATION: ERG 153: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
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 1839 — Trichloroacetic acid
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 153
Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor. Deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air). Corrosive.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water, forming a strongly acidic and corrosive solution. No violent reaction but generates heat.
Extinguishing: Use water spray to cool containers; dry chemical or CO2 for small fires. Avoid direct water jet on solid.
PPE: Level B minimum for liquid/solution contact; full face shield, acid-resistant gloves, apron; SCBA for vapor exposure or confined space
Isolation: ERG 153: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
• Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
— 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/trichloroacetic-acid-un-1839 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1839 Trichloroacetic acid Cls8 ERG153 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/trichloroacetic-acid-un-1839SMS / 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/trichloroacetic-acid-un-1839
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1839
Trichloroacetic acid is not typically considered flammable.
Trichloroacetic acid is soluble in water, forming a strongly acidic and corrosive solution, but it does not react violently with water.
Level B protective gear, including a full face shield and acid-resistant gloves, is required to handle trichloroacetic acid.
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.