UN 2464 — Beryllium nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 141. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2464 is Beryllium nitrate, a toxic oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 141. Beryllium dust exposure and oxidizer contamination control are critical.
Hazard overview: TOXIC OXIDIZER; accelerates burning and can intensify fire involving combustibles. Beryllium dust or mist is highly toxic and a serious chronic inhalation hazard. May decompose or explode from heat, contamination or contact with incompatible materials.
Response guidance: For UN 2464, isolate the area, remove combustibles and prevent fuel/organic contamination. Cool containers from protection, use oxidizer-compatible tactics and contain toxic or oxidizing runoff under ERG 141.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2464 should emphasize oxidizer contamination control, incompatible fuels/organics, decomposition signs, container cooling, toxic runoff and decontamination. Use ERG 141, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Beryllium nitrate 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: Beryllium nitrate should be stored in compatible oxidizer-rated containers away from fuels, oils, organics, reducing agents, acids where incompatible and combustible contamination.
UN 2464 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2464
- TOXIC OXIDIZER; accelerates burning and can intensify fire involving combustibles.
- Beryllium dust or mist is highly toxic and a serious chronic inhalation hazard.
- May decompose or explode from heat, contamination or contact with incompatible materials.
- Contact with fuels, oils, organics or reducing agents increases fire/explosion risk.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides and toxic beryllium-containing fumes or dust.
- Runoff may carry toxic oxidizer contamination.
- Avoid dust generation and secondary contamination of PPE or tools.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Highly toxic and carcinogenic beryllium compound with oxidizing properties.
| Also known as | Beryllium dinitrateNitric acid beryllium saltBeryllium(II) nitrate |
| CAS Number | 13597-99-4 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Highly toxic and carcinogenic beryllium compound with oxidizing properties. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 100-110C (212-230F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, forming acidic solution. No violent reaction expected. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2464
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and full chemical protective clothing. Prevent inhalation of beryllium dust/mist and avoid secondary contamination of PPE, tools and clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2464 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.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep fuels, oils, organics, reducing agents and combustible contamination away from the oxidizer.
- 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 141, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2464 — Beryllium nitrateUse 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.