☣️ UN 2571 • CLASS 8
UN 2571 — Alkylsulphuric acids
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 156. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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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UN 2571 Quick Details
UN 2571
Product name: Alkylsulphuric acids
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 156 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 156: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m initially
Common Hazards of UN 2571
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff.
- When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
- Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Alkyl sulfuric acidsAlkyl hydrogen sulfatesMonoalkyl sulfatesAlkyl acid sulfates |
| Appearance | Viscous oily liquids, colorless to amber or brown in color. May have a slight sulfurous or organic odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by alkyl chain length; typically 60-93C (140-200F) for common members |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling; typically decomposes above 150-200C (302-392F) |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air); typically 3-5 depending on molecular weight |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing heat and corrosive fumes; some may react violently depending on alkyl group |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2571
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; regular foam may be ineffective
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; acid-resistant gloves and boots required
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 156: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m initially
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 156).
First Actions for a UN 2571 Incident
- 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2571 — Alkylsulphuric acidsHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2571
Product: Alkylsulphuric acids
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 156
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; acid-resistant gloves and boots required
ISOLATION: ERG 156: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m initially
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 2571 — Alkylsulphuric acids
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 156
Appearance: Viscous oily liquids, colorless to amber or brown in color. May have a slight sulfurous or organic odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with water releasing heat and corrosive fumes; some may react violently depending on alkyl group
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; regular foam may be ineffective
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit for spill response; acid-resistant gloves and boots required
Isolation: ERG 156: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m initially
— Key Hazards —
• Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
• Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff.
• When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion
— 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/2571 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2571 Alkylsulphuric acids Cls8 ERG156 | ERG 156: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire iso | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2571SMS / 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/2571
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2571
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance
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 chemical-resistant suit for spill response; acid-resistant gloves and boots required
Water reactivity: Reacts with water releasing heat and corrosive fumes; some may react violently depending on alkyl group. Recommended extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; regular foam may be ineffective.
ERG Guide 156 recommendation: ERG 156: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m initially
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 156 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.