☣️ UN 1587 • CLASS 6
Copper cyanide
Placard: Toxic. 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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Quick details
UN 1587
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 151 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 151: Small spill isolate 25m all directions; large spill isolate 50m all directions, consider evacuation 100m downwind if cyanide vapors detected
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Cuprous cyanideCopper(I) cyanideCupricinCyanure de cuivre |
| CAS Number | 544-92-3 |
| Appearance | White to cream-colored odorless powder or crystalline solid at room temperature. May have a faint almond-like odor if decomposing or contaminated with hydrogen cyanide. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Slowly decomposes in water releasing toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, especially in acidic conditions |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, CO2, sand; water may be used from a distance to cool containers but avoid direct contact with material |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; avoid all skin contact due to extreme toxicity |
| Isolation | ERG 151: Small spill isolate 25m all directions; large spill isolate 50m all directions, consider evacuation 100m downwind if cyanide vapors detected |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- 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
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- 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 1587 — Copper cyanide HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1587
Product: Copper cyanide
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; avoid all skin contact due to extreme toxicity
ISOLATION: ERG 151: Small spill isolate 25m all directions; large spill isolate 50m all directions, consider evacuation 100m downwind if cyanide vapors detected
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 1587 — Copper cyanide
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: White to cream-colored odorless powder or crystalline solid at room temperature. May have a faint almond-like odor if decomposing or contaminated with hydrogen cyanide.
Water Reactivity: Slowly decomposes in water releasing toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, especially in acidic conditions
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, sand; water may be used from a distance to cool containers but avoid direct contact with material
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; avoid all skin contact due to extreme toxicity
Isolation: ERG 151: Small spill isolate 25m all directions; large spill isolate 50m all directions, consider evacuation 100m downwind if cyanide vapors detected
— Key Hazards —
• Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Avoid any skin contact.
• Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
— 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.
• 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/1587 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1587 Copper cyanide Cls6 ERG151 | ERG 151: Small spill isolate 25m all directions; large spill isolate 50m all dir | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1587SMS / 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/1587
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FAQ
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. 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 Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
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 B minimum with SCBA required; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; avoid all skin contact due to extreme toxicity
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 151 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.