☣️ UN 2556 • CLASS 4
Nitrocellulose with alcohol, not less than 25% alcohol
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 2556
Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG: Guide 113 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate 50m all directions initially; if dried or fire involved, treat as explosive per ERG 112 - isolate 500m, evacuate 800m downwind
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateGuncottonCollodion cottonPyroxylinNitrated cellulose |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material, odorless or slight alcoholic odor when wetted. Supplied as a slurry or wet mass with alcohol to maintain stability. |
| Flash Point | 12C (55F) for alcohol wetted material |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material, vapors from alcohol carrier) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but drying increases explosion hazard |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; full protective clothing; avoid friction and static; treat as explosive if dried |
| Isolation | ERG 113: isolate 50m all directions initially; if dried or fire involved, treat as explosive per ERG 112 - isolate 500m, evacuate 800m downwind |
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 2556 — Nitrocellulose with alcohol, not less th HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2556
Product: Nitrocellulose with alcohol, not less than 25% alcohol
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 113
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full protective clothing; avoid friction and static; treat as explosive if dried
ISOLATION: ERG 113: isolate 50m all directions initially; if dried or fire involved, treat as explosive per ERG 112 - isolate 500m, evacuate 800m downwind
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 2556 — Nitrocellulose with alcohol, not less than 25% alcohol
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 113
Appearance: White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material, odorless or slight alcoholic odor when wetted. Supplied as a slurry or wet mass with alcohol to maintain stability.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but drying increases explosion hazard
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full protective clothing; avoid friction and static; treat as explosive if dried
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate 50m all directions initially; if dried or fire involved, treat as explosive per ERG 112 - isolate 500m, evacuate 800m downwind
— 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/2556 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2556 Nitrocellulose with alcohol, not less than 25% alcohol Cls4 ERG113 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2556SMS / 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/2556
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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; full protective clothing; avoid friction and static; treat as explosive if dried
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.