UN 1839 — Trichloroacetic acid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1839 is Trichloroacetic acid, a corrosive hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 153. Responders should verify the exact product with shipping papers, package markings and SDS before close action.
Hazard overview: UN 1839 presents corrosive exposure hazards and may create toxic/corrosive gases or runoff in fire or incompatible contact. Use ERG, SDS and incident command to set isolation, PPE and control actions.
Response guidance: For a UN 1839 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 153. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1839 should emphasize corrosive/toxic exposure routes, water incompatibility where applicable, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Trichloroacetic acid 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 concentration, formulation, 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: Trichloroacetic acid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated hazardous-material area according to SDS and local procedures.
UN 1839 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1839
- CORROSIVE material; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe injury.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may be corrosive and may pollute waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Specific hazards depend on the exact product, concentration and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor. Deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air). Corrosive.
| 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. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1839
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS for corrosive contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1839 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 or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled 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 spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 153, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1839 — Trichloroacetic acidUse 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.