UN 2006 — Plastics, nitrocellulose-based, self-heating, n.o.s.
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2006 is Plastics, nitrocellulose-based, self-heating, n.o.s., a self-heating nitrocellulose-based plastic assigned to ERG Guide 135. Heat buildup, poor ventilation or contamination can lead to rapid burning.
Hazard overview: SELF-HEATING nitrocellulose-based plastic; may ignite from heat buildup, poor ventilation or contamination. Can burn rapidly and may re-ignite if hot material remains. Heating or fire may produce flammable vapors, nitrogen oxides and dense irritating smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 2006 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 135. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff or dust spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2006 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Plastics, nitrocellulose-based, self-heating, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Plastics, nitrocellulose-based, self-heating, n.o.s. should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Limit accumulation and inspect for self-heating, deterioration or damaged packaging.
UN 2006 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2006
- SELF-HEATING nitrocellulose-based plastic; may ignite from heat buildup, poor ventilation or contamination.
- Can burn rapidly and may re-ignite if hot material remains.
- Heating or fire may produce flammable vapors, nitrogen oxides and dense irritating smoke.
- Moisture sensitivity varies by formulation; verify SDS before using water directly.
- Packages or piles may retain heat and continue smoldering.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Friction, impact, heat and incompatible storage can increase ignition risk.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid plastic material, color varies by formulation. Nitrocellulose-based plastics are combustible solids that may self-heat in contact with air or moisture, often with a characteristic camphor-like odor in older formulations.
| Also known as | nitrocellulose plasticscellulose nitrate plasticspyroxylin plasticscelluloid-type materials |
| Appearance | Solid plastic material, color varies by formulation. Nitrocellulose-based plastics are combustible solids that may self-heat in contact with air or moisture, often with a characteristic camphor-like odor in older formulations. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-heating solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May ignite on contact with moisture; avoid water application |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2006
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use protective equipment selected from SDS, monitoring results and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2006 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 dust, vapor, fumes, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, water reaction, vapor generation, dust spread or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 135, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2006 — Plastics, nitrocellulose-based, self-heaUse 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.