☣️ UN 2012 • CLASS 4
Potassium phosphide
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. 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 2012
Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG: Guide 139 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Phosphorus potassiumTripotassium phosphideK3P |
| CAS Number | 20770-41-6 |
| Appearance | Dark gray to black solid with no characteristic odor. Hygroscopic powder or crystalline material. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (water-reactive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing flammable phosphine gas (PH3) and toxic fumes; do not use water |
| Extinguishing | Dry sand, soda ash, dry chemical; absolutely no water or foam |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit due to toxic phosphine gas evolution |
| Isolation | ERG 139: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
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.
- 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 2012 — Potassium phosphide HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2012
Product: Potassium phosphide
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 139
PPE: Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit due to toxic phosphine gas evolution
ISOLATION: ERG 139: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
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 2012 — Potassium phosphide
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: Dark gray to black solid with no characteristic odor. Hygroscopic powder or crystalline material.
Water Reactivity: Reacts violently with water producing flammable phosphine gas (PH3) and toxic fumes; do not use water
Extinguishing: Dry sand, soda ash, dry chemical; absolutely no water or foam
PPE: Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit due to toxic phosphine gas evolution
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— 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/2012 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2012 Potassium phosphide Cls4 ERG139 | ERG 139: isolate spill 100m all directions; if fire isolate 800m and evacuate 16 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2012SMS / 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/2012
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FAQ
Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
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 required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit due to toxic phosphine gas evolution
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 139 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.