☣️ UN 2590 • CLASS 9

UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotile

Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. 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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UN 2590 Quick Details

UN 2590
Product name: Asbestos, chrysotile
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material

Common Hazards of UN 2590

  • Some may burn but none ignite readily.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Some may be transported hot.
  • For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
  • Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
  • Inhalation of material may be harmful.
  • Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
  • Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Also known asChrysotile asbestosWhite asbestosSerpentine asbestosAsbestos fiber
CAS Number12001-29-5
AppearanceWhite to gray fibrous silicate mineral, odorless. Flexible fibers that can be woven; occurs as bundles of fibrils.
Flash PointNot applicable (non-combustible mineral)
Boiling PointNot applicable (decomposes at high temperature)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2590

Extinguishing Media

Foam, water spray, or dry chemical suitable for surrounding fire

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).

First Actions for a UN 2590 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.
  • 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 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotile
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2590 Product: Asbestos, chrysotile Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171 PPE: Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation ISOLATION: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotile Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171 Appearance: White to gray fibrous silicate mineral, odorless. Flexible fibers that can be woven; occurs as bundles of fibrils. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water Extinguishing: Foam, water spray, or dry chemical suitable for surrounding fire PPE: Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation Isolation: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material — Key Hazards — • Some may burn but none ignite readily. • Containers may explode when heated. • Some may be transported hot. — 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. • Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2590 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN2590 Asbestos, chrysotile Cls9 ERG171 | ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; spe | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2590SMS / 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/2590

Related UN Numbers in Class 9

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2590

Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.

CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation

Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water. Recommended extinguishing: Foam, water spray, or dry chemical suitable for surrounding fire.

ERG Guide 171 recommendation: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 171 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.