☣️ UN 2059 • CLASS 3
UN 2059 — Nitrocellulose solution, flammable
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. 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 2059 Quick Details
UN 2059
Product name: Nitrocellulose solution, flammable
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 127 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 127: isolate spill area minimum 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves bulk containers
Common Hazards of UN 2059
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | CollodionCellulose nitrate solutionNitrocellulose in solventPyroxylin solutionGun cotton solution |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with a characteristic ether-like or solvent odor. The solution contains nitrocellulose dissolved in flammable organic solvents such as alcohols, esters, or ketones. |
| Flash Point | -18C to 13C (0F to 55F) depending on solvent composition |
| Boiling Point | 35C to 82C (95F to 180F) depending on solvent mixture |
| Vapor Density | 2-3 (heavier than air, varies with solvent) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will separate as a layer |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2059
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical powder; regular AFFF may be ineffective due to alcohol solvents
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; fire-resistant suit for fire conditions; explosive potential requires safe distance
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 127: isolate spill area minimum 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves bulk containers
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 127).
First Actions for a UN 2059 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 for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 2059 — Nitrocellulose solution, flammableHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2059
Product: Nitrocellulose solution, flammable
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 127
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; fire-resistant suit for fire conditions; explosive potential requires safe distance
ISOLATION: ERG 127: isolate spill area minimum 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves bulk containers
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 2059 — Nitrocellulose solution, flammable
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 127
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with a characteristic ether-like or solvent odor. The solution contains nitrocellulose dissolved in flammable organic solvents such as alcohols, esters, or ketones.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will separate as a layer
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical powder; regular AFFF may be ineffective due to alcohol solvents
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; fire-resistant suit for fire conditions; explosive potential requires safe distance
Isolation: ERG 127: isolate spill area minimum 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves bulk containers
— Key Hazards —
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
— 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/2059 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2059 Nitrocellulose solution, flammable Cls3 ERG127 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2059SMS / 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/2059
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2059
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
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; butyl rubber or nitrile gloves; fire-resistant suit for fire conditions; explosive potential requires safe distance
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will separate as a layer. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical powder; regular AFFF may be ineffective due to alcohol solvents.
ERG Guide 127 recommendation: ERG 127: isolate spill area minimum 50m all directions; for large spills isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves bulk containers
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 127 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.