☣️ UN 2722 • CLASS 5
UN 2722 — Lithium nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. 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.
Lithium nitrate is a water-soluble oxidizer; it does not burn itself but can make nearby combustibles burn faster.
Hazard overview: Lithium nitrate should be treated as an oxidizing solid. It can make ordinary combustibles burn faster and may decompose violently if heated or contaminated.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove combustibles and keep contaminated runoff out of drains. Use water spray from a safe distance to cool containers; choose extinguishing agents based on the surrounding fire and SDS.
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UN 2722 Quick Details
UN 2722
Product name: Lithium nitrate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. For large spills, consider initial evacuation for 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Common Hazards of UN 2722
- Lithium nitrate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
- Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
- Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated in a fire.
- Dust, solution or decomposition fumes may irritate or injure the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating metal oxide and nitrogen/chlorine oxide fumes.
- Runoff can spread oxidizer contamination and increase fire or environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air)
| Also known as | Nitric acid lithium saltLithium(I) nitrateLiNO3 |
| CAS Number | 7790-69-4 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at approximately 600°C (1112°F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; reaction generates heat but not violent. May increase oxygen availability in solution. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2722
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Do not use combustible materials. Avoid organic materials near oxidizer.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum for handling; Level B if fire involved. SCBA, chemical-resistant suit, gloves and boots required for fire or large spills.
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. For large spills, consider initial evacuation for 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 2722 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use the ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, PPE and tactical decisions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2722 — Lithium nitrateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2722
Product: Lithium nitrate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level C minimum for handling; Level B if fire involved. SCBA, chemical-resistant suit, gloves and boots required for fire or large spills.
ISOLATION: ERG 140: Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. For large spills, consider initial evacuation for 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
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 2722 — Lithium nitrate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air).
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; reaction generates heat but not violent. May increase oxygen availability in solution.
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Do not use combustible materials. Avoid organic materials near oxidizer.
PPE: Level C minimum for handling; Level B if fire involved. SCBA, chemical-resistant suit, gloves and boots required for fire or large spills.
Isolation: ERG 140: Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. For large spills, consider initial evacuation for 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
— Key Hazards —
• Lithium nitrate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
• Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
• Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
— First Actions —
• Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
• Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
• Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/lithium-nitrate-un-2722 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2722 Lithium nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/lithium-nitrate-un-2722SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/lithium-nitrate-un-2722
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2722
UN 2722 is Lithium nitrate, regulated as an oxidizing hazardous material for transport and emergency response.
The main concern is an oxidizing hazardous material behavior plus exposure risk from dust, vapor, liquid or fire products.
Approach from upwind, isolate the area, keep nonessential people out and verify the exact product with shipping papers or SDS.
Water can dissolve the material and carry oxidizer contamination. Use controlled water spray for cooling and runoff control rather than washing material into drains.
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
It can intensify nearby fires and release toxic or irritating decomposition fumes.
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.