UN 2516 — Carbon tetrabromide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2516 is Carbon tetrabromide, a toxic brominated material assigned to ERG Guide 151. Dense vapor/liquid and toxic bromine fire products are key concerns.
Hazard overview: TOXIC brominated material; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury. Heavy vapor or dust can collect in low or poorly ventilated spaces. Non-flammable or not readily combustible, but heating can produce toxic/corrosive bromine or hydrogen bromide fumes.
Response guidance: For UN 2516, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain toxic/corrosive runoff and verify product controls with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2516 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA use, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Carbon tetrabromide 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: Carbon tetrabromide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2516 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2516
- TOXIC brominated material; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury.
- Heavy vapor or dust can collect in low or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Non-flammable or not readily combustible, but heating can produce toxic/corrosive bromine or hydrogen bromide fumes.
- Liquid or residues may be denser than water and spread contamination below the surface.
- Runoff may carry persistent brominated contamination and harm waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Avoid skin contact and prevent spread into drains or waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. Decomposes at elevated temperatures producing toxic bromine fumes.
| Also known as | TetrabromomethaneMethane tetrabromideCBr4Tetrabromocarbon |
| CAS Number | 558-13-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. Decomposes at elevated temperatures producing toxic bromine fumes. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | 189.5C (373F) with decomposition |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid at room temperature) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction but hydrolyzes slowly in presence of moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2516
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2516 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, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2516 — Carbon tetrabromideUse 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.