UN 2295 — Methyl chloroacetate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2295 is Methyl chloroacetate, a toxic flammable chloroacetate liquid assigned to ERG Guide 131. It is also a strong lachrymator and skin absorption hazard.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE chloroacetate liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal. Strong lachrymator; vapor or liquid can severely irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
Response guidance: For a UN 2295 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 131. 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 2295 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, ignition control, toxic exposure where applicable and runoff containment. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Methyl chloroacetate 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: Methyl chloroacetate should be stored in approved flammable/toxic-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2295 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2295
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE chloroacetate liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Strong lachrymator; vapor or liquid can severely irritate eyes and respiratory tract.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Slow hydrolysis in water can form corrosive chloroacetic acid.
- Fire may produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene-type gases and other toxic/corrosive smoke.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Lachrymator (tear agent) causing immediate eye irritation.
| Also known as | Methyl chloroethanoateChloroacetic acid methyl esterMethyl monochloroacetateMCA |
| CAS Number | 96-34-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Lachrymator (tear agent) causing immediate eye irritation. |
| Flash Point | 57C (135F) |
| Boiling Point | 129-132C (264-270F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.8 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slowly hydrolyzes in water, releasing corrosive chloroacetic acid |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2295
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2295 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- 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 131, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2295 — Methyl chloroacetateUse 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.