☣️ UN 1713 • CLASS 6
UN 1713 — Zinc cyanide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. 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 1713 Quick Details
UN 1713
Product name: Zinc cyanide
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 151 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 151: Isolate spill 25m all directions initially. Large spill: isolate 50m, consider evacuation 300m downwind if decomposing or fire involved.
Common Hazards of UN 1713
- 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Zinc dicyanideCyanide of zincDicyanozincZinc cyanide (Zn(CN)2) |
| CAS Number | 557-21-1 |
| Appearance | White or colorless crystalline powder, odorless or slight odor of hydrogen cyanide (bitter almonds). Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Decomposes slowly in moist air, releasing hydrogen cyanide gas. Avoid moisture and acids. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1713
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand. Avoid water spray on material due to cyanide gas generation.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required. Full-face respirator with cyanide cartridges insufficient. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots mandatory.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 151: Isolate spill 25m all directions initially. Large spill: isolate 50m, consider evacuation 300m downwind if decomposing or fire involved.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 151).
First Actions for a UN 1713 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.
- 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 1713 — Zinc cyanideHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1713
Product: Zinc cyanide
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required. Full-face respirator with cyanide cartridges insufficient. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots mandatory.
ISOLATION: ERG 151: Isolate spill 25m all directions initially. Large spill: isolate 50m, consider evacuation 300m downwind if decomposing or fire involved.
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 1713 — Zinc cyanide
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: White or colorless crystalline powder, odorless or slight odor of hydrogen cyanide (bitter almonds). Solid at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Decomposes slowly in moist air, releasing hydrogen cyanide gas. Avoid moisture and acids.
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand. Avoid water spray on material due to cyanide gas generation.
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required. Full-face respirator with cyanide cartridges insufficient. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots mandatory.
Isolation: ERG 151: Isolate spill 25m all directions initially. Large spill: isolate 50m, consider evacuation 300m downwind if decomposing or fire involved.
— 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/1713 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1713 Zinc cyanide Cls6 ERG151 | ERG 151: Isolate spill 25m all directions initially. Large spill: isolate 50m, c | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1713SMS / 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/1713
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1713
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; SCBA required. Full-face respirator with cyanide cartridges insufficient. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots mandatory.
Water reactivity: Decomposes slowly in moist air, releasing hydrogen cyanide gas. Avoid moisture and acids.. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand. Avoid water spray on material due to cyanide gas generation..
ERG Guide 151 recommendation: ERG 151: Isolate spill 25m all directions initially. Large spill: isolate 50m, consider evacuation 300m downwind if decomposing or fire involved.
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.