☣️ UN 2211 • CLASS 9
UN 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandable
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. 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.
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UN 2211 Quick Details
UN 2211
Product name: Polymeric beads, expandable
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Common Hazards of UN 2211
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Expandable polystyrene beadsEPS beadsExpandable polymer beadsPre-expanded polystyreneStyrofoam beads |
| Appearance | White to off-white spherical beads or granules, odorless or slight styrene odor, solid at room temperature. Lightweight plastic polymer material that expands when heated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid polymer, burns slowly if ignited but does not readily ignite) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid polymer material, decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2211
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers; foam may be used for fire control
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 2211 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 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandableHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2211
Product: Polymeric beads, expandable
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Level D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
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 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandable
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: White to off-white spherical beads or granules, odorless or slight styrene odor, solid at room temperature. Lightweight plastic polymer material that expands when heated.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers; foam may be used for fire control
PPE: Level D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— 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/2211 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2211 Polymeric beads, expandable Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2211SMS / 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/2211
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2211
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
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 D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers; foam may be used for fire control.
ERG Guide 171 recommendation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 171 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.