☣️ UN 2555 • CLASS 4
Nitrocellulose with water, not less than 25% water
Placard: Flammable Solid. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 2555
Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG: Guide 113 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateGuncottonPyroxylinNitrocottonFlash paper |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material. Odorless when pure. Stored wetted with water to prevent ignition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (desensitized with water; dry material extremely flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction; water acts as desensitizer and must remain above 25% by mass |
| Extinguishing | Water fog, CO2, dry chemical; avoid letting material dry out |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; structural firefighters' protective clothing may not provide adequate protection |
| Isolation | ERG 113: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an
- Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically,
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
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UN 2555 — Nitrocellulose with water, not less than HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2555
Product: Nitrocellulose with water, not less than 25% water
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 113
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; structural firefighters' protective clothing may not provide adequate protection
ISOLATION: ERG 113: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2555 — Nitrocellulose with water, not less than 25% water
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 113
Appearance: White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material. Odorless when pure. Stored wetted with water to prevent ignition.
Water Reactivity: No reaction; water acts as desensitizer and must remain above 25% by mass
Extinguishing: Water fog, CO2, dry chemical; avoid letting material dry out
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; structural firefighters' protective clothing may not provide adequate protection
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2555 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2555 Nitrocellulose with water, not less than 25% water Cls4 ERG113 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2555SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2555
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FAQ
Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112). Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically, Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA; structural firefighters' protective clothing may not provide adequate protection
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 113 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.