☣️ UN 2806 • CLASS 4
UN 2806 — Lithium nitride
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 139. 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 nitride is a dangerous-when-wet solid that reacts readily with moisture. Water contact can produce ammonia vapors, heat and corrosive lithium hydroxide.
Hazard overview: The response concern is moisture-driven gas and heat generation. Even small amounts of water can produce irritating or toxic vapors and create a corrosive alkaline residue.
Response guidance: Keep the area dry, deny entry and avoid water or foam. Use dry sand, dry chemical or soda ash only if compatible with the exact product and response plan.
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UN 2806 Quick Details
UN 2806
Product name: Lithium nitride
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG Guide: 139 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate downwind areas
Common Hazards of UN 2806
- Lithium nitride reacts with water or moist air, producing heat and ammonia-containing vapors.
- Reaction gases may be flammable, toxic or irritating depending on conditions.
- Material may ignite on contact with moisture or during heating.
- Dust can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fires may re-ignite if residual material contacts moisture after suppression.
- Containers may rupture when heated or contaminated with water.
- Wet runoff can spread corrosive lithium hydroxide contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Lithium nitride is commonly described as a dark red to purple crystalline solid. It is hygroscopic and may react with atmospheric moisture.
| Also known as | Trilithium nitrideLithium nitrogenLi3N |
| CAS Number | 26134-62-3 |
| Appearance | Dark red to purple crystalline solid with no distinct odor. Hygroscopic powder that reacts readily with moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (water-reactive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously with water producing flammable ammonia gas and lithium hydroxide; may ignite spontaneously in moist air |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2806
Extinguishing Media
Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash; NO water or foam
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid any moisture contact
Use SCBA, full face protection and chemical-resistant clothing. Avoid moisture on gloves, tools and containment materials.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 139: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate downwind areas
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 139).
First Actions for a UN 2806 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and isolate the area before approaching.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep all water sources away from the material.
- Avoid breathing reaction gases, dust or smoke and avoid all skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without dry-compatible PPE and tools.
- Do not apply water or foam unless a qualified hazmat specialist directs it for a specific product.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to confirm isolation and evacuation distances.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2806 — Lithium nitrideHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2806
Product: Lithium nitride
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 139
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid any moisture contact
ISOLATION: ERG 139: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate downwind areas
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 2806 — Lithium nitride
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: Dark red to purple crystalline solid with no distinct odor. Hygroscopic powder that reacts readily with moisture.
Water Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with water producing flammable ammonia gas and lithium hydroxide; may ignite spontaneously in moist air
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash; NO water or foam
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full face protection and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid any moisture contact
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate downwind areas
— Key Hazards —
• Lithium nitride reacts with water or moist air, producing heat and ammonia-containing vapors.
• Reaction gases may be flammable, toxic or irritating depending on conditions.
• Material may ignite on contact with moisture or during heating.
— First Actions —
• Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away and isolate the area before approaching.
• Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep all water sources away from the material.
• Avoid breathing reaction gases, dust or smoke and avoid all skin and eye contact.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/lithium-nitride-un-2806 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2806 Lithium nitride Cls4 ERG139 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/lithium-nitride-un-2806SMS / 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-nitride-un-2806
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2806
Yes. It reacts with water or moist air, releasing heat and ammonia-containing vapors.
No. Water and foam should be avoided because they can drive the dangerous reaction.
Corrosive lithium hydroxide may form, creating alkaline contamination.
Reaction vapors and fire smoke can be irritating or toxic, especially in confined or low areas.
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.