☣️ UN 1566 • CLASS 6
UN 1566 — Beryllium compound, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. 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.
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UN 1566 Quick Details
UN 1566
Product name: Beryllium compound, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 154 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 154: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills; avoid inhalation of dust; isolate 800 meters downwind if powder is aerosolized
Common Hazards of UN 1566
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- 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
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Beryllium compoundsBeryllium saltsGlucinium compoundsBeryllium derivatives |
| Appearance | Varies widely depending on specific compound; may be white to gray powders, crystals, or granular solids. Generally odorless. Some compounds may be molten at elevated temperatures. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic compounds, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by specific compound; many decompose before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid particulates) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water, though some compounds may slowly hydrolyze; primary hazard is toxicity of dissolved beryllium ions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1566
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable for fire control; use dry chemical, sand, or inert materials for spill containment; avoid generating airborne dust
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A or B required; full-face SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit with no exposed skin; beryllium is a sensitizer and carcinogen requiring strict exposure controls; HEPA filtration essential
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 154: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills; avoid inhalation of dust; isolate 800 meters downwind if powder is aerosolized
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 154).
First Actions for a UN 1566 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- 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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UN 1566 — Beryllium compound, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1566
Product: Beryllium compound, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 154
PPE: Level A or B required; full-face SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit with no exposed skin; beryllium is a sensitizer and carcinogen requiring strict exposure controls; HEPA filtration essential
ISOLATION: ERG 154: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills; avoid inhalation of dust; isolate 800 meters downwind if powder is aerosolized
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 1566 — Beryllium compound, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 154
Appearance: Varies widely depending on specific compound; may be white to gray powders, crystals, or granular solids. Generally odorless. Some compounds may be molten at elevated temperatures.
Water Reactivity: Generally stable in water, though some compounds may slowly hydrolyze; primary hazard is toxicity of dissolved beryllium ions
Extinguishing: Not applicable for fire control; use dry chemical, sand, or inert materials for spill containment; avoid generating airborne dust
PPE: Level A or B required; full-face SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit with no exposed skin; beryllium is a sensitizer and carcinogen requiring strict exposure controls; HEPA filtration essential
Isolation: ERG 154: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills; avoid inhalation of dust; isolate 800 meters downwind if powder is aerosolized
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Avoid any skin contact.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1566 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1566 Beryllium compound, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG154 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1566SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1566
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1566
TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury 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 Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level A or B required; full-face SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant suit with no exposed skin; beryllium is a sensitizer and carcinogen requiring strict exposure controls; HEPA filtration essential
Water reactivity: Generally stable in water, though some compounds may slowly hydrolyze; primary hazard is toxicity of dissolved beryllium ions. Recommended extinguishing: Not applicable for fire control; use dry chemical, sand, or inert materials for spill containment; avoid generating airborne dust.
ERG Guide 154 recommendation: ERG 154: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills; avoid inhalation of dust; isolate 800 meters downwind if powder is aerosolized
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 154 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
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.