UN 2582 — Ferric chloride, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Ferric chloride solution is a corrosive acidic liquid used in several industrial processes. Response priorities are splash protection, acid-fume control and runoff containment.
Hazard overview: The liquid can cause chemical burns and may give off hydrochloric acid fumes when heated or misted. Contact with incompatible metals can worsen corrosion and may generate hydrogen gas.
Response guidance: Isolate the spill area, protect drains and avoid walking through liquid or mist. Use water spray only from a protected position for vapor reduction or container cooling when compatible with the situation, and follow SDS instructions for neutralization.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders on corrosive liquid runoff, acid mist and metal corrosion hazards. Neutralization should be performed only by trained personnel using SDS-compatible agents.
Regulatory context: UN 2582 is Ferric chloride, solution, Class 8 corrosive. Verify concentration, packaging and disposal requirements using shipping papers and SDS.
Storage & handling: Store in corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment. Keep away from bases, reactive metals and incompatible chemicals.
UN 2582 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2582
- Corrosive acidic solution; splashes and mist can burn skin, eyes and respiratory tissue.
- May release hydrochloric acid fumes, especially when heated or aerosolized.
- Can corrode metals and may produce flammable hydrogen gas in contact with incompatible metals.
- Non-flammable solution, but fire exposure can produce irritating or corrosive gases.
- Runoff from spills or fire control can remain acidic and pollute waterways.
- Additional water may generate heat and splashing depending on concentration.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Ferric chloride solution is typically yellow to brown and has an acidic odor. It is aqueous, corrosive and may stain or damage surfaces and equipment.
| Also known as | Iron(III) chloride solutionIron trichloride solutionFerric trichloride solutionFlores martis |
| CAS Number | 7705-08-0 |
| Appearance | Yellow to brown corrosive liquid with a faint hydrochloric acid odor. Highly acidic and forms dense corrosive fumes in moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable aqueous solution) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 105-110C (221-230F) depending on concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution, heavier than water) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; dissolution is exothermic and releases heat. May produce acidic fumes. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2582
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
SCBA is needed for fumes, mist or fire conditions. Wear acid-resistant suit, gloves, boots and full face/eye protection to prevent splash injury.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2582 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 154, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2582 — Ferric chloride, solutionUse 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.