UN 2389 — Furan
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2389 is Furan, a highly volatile flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 128. Flashback, peroxide review for old containers and vapor control are priorities.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE volatile liquid; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Vapor explosion hazard exists in drains, basements and confined areas.
Response guidance: For UN 2389, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources, keep vapors out of drains and use SCBA in vapor or fire conditions. Cool containers from a protected distance and choose foam, dry chemical or CO2 using SDS and ERG 128.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2389 should emphasize ether/peroxide storage review where applicable, vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, ignition control and container cooling. Use ERG 128, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Furan is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Furan should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers with ventilation and ignition control. Track age, inhibitor or peroxide concerns where required by SDS and facility SOP.
UN 2389 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2389
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE volatile liquid; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists in drains, basements and confined areas.
- May form peroxides on prolonged storage; verify container age and SDS before handling old material.
- Fire may produce carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an ethereal, chloroform-like odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | FurfuranDivinylene oxideOxacyclopentadieneTetrole |
| CAS Number | 110-00-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an ethereal, chloroform-like odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -36C (-33F) |
| Boiling Point | 31.4C (89F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but may form peroxides on prolonged storage |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2389
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and flame-resistant protection as appropriate.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2389 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of low vapor areas.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 128, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2389 — FuranUse 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.