☣️ UN 2209 • CLASS 8
Formaldehyde, solution (corrosive)
Placard: Corrosive. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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.
Advertisement
Quick details
UN 2209
Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG: Guide 153 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 153: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; for large spills isolate 150m and evacuate downwind 300m; avoid contact and inhalation
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | FormalinMethanalMethyl aldehydeMethylene oxideFormic aldehydeOxomethane |
| CAS Number | 50-00-0 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to slightly cloudy aqueous solution with a pungent, irritating odor. Typically contains 37-50% formaldehyde by weight with methanol as a stabilizer. |
| Flash Point | 85C (185F) for 37% solution; varies with concentration |
| Boiling Point | 96-101C (205-214F) depending on concentration |
| Vapor Density | 1.03-1.09 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; no violent reaction but dilution generates heat |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; high vapor toxicity requires respiratory protection |
| Isolation | ERG 153: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; for large spills isolate 150m and evacuate downwind 300m; avoid contact and inhalation |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- 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
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion
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
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share
UN 2209 — Formaldehyde, solution (corrosive) HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2209
Product: Formaldehyde, solution (corrosive)
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 153
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; high vapor toxicity requires respiratory protection
ISOLATION: ERG 153: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; for large spills isolate 150m and evacuate downwind 300m; avoid contact and inhalation
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 2209 — Formaldehyde, solution (corrosive)
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 153
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly cloudy aqueous solution with a pungent, irritating odor. Typically contains 37-50% formaldehyde by weight with methanol as a stabilizer.
Water Reactivity: Miscible with water; no violent reaction but dilution generates heat
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; high vapor toxicity requires respiratory protection
Isolation: ERG 153: isolate spill/leak area 50m in all directions; for large spills isolate 150m and evacuate downwind 300m; avoid contact and inhalation
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
• Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
— 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/2209 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2209 Formaldehyde, solution (corrosive) Cls8 ERG153 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2209SMS / 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/2209
Advertisement
FAQ
TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. 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 Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion
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 full face SCBA; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; high vapor toxicity requires respiratory protection
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 153 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.