UN 2217 — Seed cake, with not more than 1.5% oil and not more than 11% moisture
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2217 is Seed cake, with not more than 1.5% oil and not more than 11% moisture, a spontaneously combustible seed cake entry assigned to ERG Guide 135. Self-heating and deep-seated smoldering are the key response concerns.
Hazard overview: SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE seed cake; may self-heat if moisture, oil content or ventilation conditions are unfavorable. May smolder internally and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment. Heat, contamination, poor ventilation or excessive pile size can increase fire risk.
Response guidance: For a UN 2217 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 135. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2217 should emphasize self-heating recognition, pile temperature checks, smoldering/re-ignition, ventilation, overhaul and organic runoff control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Seed cake, with not more than 1.5% oil and not more than 11% moisture 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: Seed cake, with not more than 1.5% oil and not more than 11% moisture should be stored in cool, dry, ventilated conditions with controls for moisture, pile size, heat buildup and contamination. Monitor for self-heating, odor change, smoke or temperature rise according to SDS/cargo procedures.
UN 2217 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2217
- SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE seed cake; may self-heat if moisture, oil content or ventilation conditions are unfavorable.
- May smolder internally and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Heat, contamination, poor ventilation or excessive pile size can increase fire risk.
- Water contact can increase heating or decomposition depending on condition and cargo history.
- Fire may produce irritating smoke, carbon monoxide and organic decomposition gases.
- Runoff may carry oily/organic contamination.
- Piles or containers may rupture, collapse or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Tan to brown solid cake or meal residue from oil extraction processes. Dry, fibrous material with slight oily or nutty odor at room temperature.
| Also known as | Oil seed cakeSeed mealOilseed residuePressed seed cake |
| Appearance | Tan to brown solid cake or meal residue from oil extraction processes. Dry, fibrous material with slight oily or nutty odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (spontaneously combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May ignite on contact with moisture or moist air; keep absolutely dry |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2217
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, smoke or decomposition exposure. Wear gloves, eye protection and protective clothing for handling; respiratory protection may be needed for dust, odor or moldy/decomposing material.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2217 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 vapors, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Look for self-heating, smoldering, odor change or re-ignition, especially in piles, bags or confined storage.
- 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, vapor spread, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 135, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2217 — Seed cake, with not more than 1.5% oil aUse 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.