☣️ UN 2809 • CLASS 8
UN 2809 — Mercury
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 172. 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 2809 Quick Details
UN 2809
Product name: Mercury
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 172 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; evacuate immediate area; mercury vapor accumulates in low areas; requires specialized containment and cleanup
Common Hazards of UN 2809
- Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Elemental mercuryQuicksilverLiquid silverHydrargyrumMetallic mercury |
| CAS Number | 7439-97-6 |
| Appearance | Silver-white, heavy, odorless liquid metal at room temperature. High surface tension causes it to form spherical droplets that roll easily. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (liquid metal, non-combustible) |
| Boiling Point | 357C (674F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.9 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but forms toxic vapor at all temperatures |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2809
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable for extinguishment (non-combustible); mercury spills require specialized cleanup, not foam
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with vapor-tight chemical suit; SCBA required; avoid all skin contact; use mercury-specific respirator cartridges for vapor protection
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; evacuate immediate area; mercury vapor accumulates in low areas; requires specialized containment and cleanup
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 172).
First Actions for a UN 2809 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2809 — MercuryHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2809
Product: Mercury
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 172
PPE: Level B minimum with vapor-tight chemical suit; SCBA required; avoid all skin contact; use mercury-specific respirator cartridges for vapor protection
ISOLATION: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; evacuate immediate area; mercury vapor accumulates in low areas; requires specialized containment and cleanup
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 2809 — Mercury
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 172
Appearance: Silver-white, heavy, odorless liquid metal at room temperature. High surface tension causes it to form spherical droplets that roll easily.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but forms toxic vapor at all temperatures
Extinguishing: Not applicable for extinguishment (non-combustible); mercury spills require specialized cleanup, not foam
PPE: Level B minimum with vapor-tight chemical suit; SCBA required; avoid all skin contact; use mercury-specific respirator cartridges for vapor protection
Isolation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; evacuate immediate area; mercury vapor accumulates in low areas; requires specialized containment and cleanup
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects.
• Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
• Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2809 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2809 Mercury Cls8 ERG172 | ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; evacuate immediate a | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2809SMS / 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/2809
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2809
Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive Runoff may pollute waterways.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level B minimum with vapor-tight chemical suit; SCBA required; avoid all skin contact; use mercury-specific respirator cartridges for vapor protection
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but forms toxic vapor at all temperatures. Recommended extinguishing: Not applicable for extinguishment (non-combustible); mercury spills require specialized cleanup, not foam.
ERG Guide 172 recommendation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; evacuate immediate area; mercury vapor accumulates in low areas; requires specialized containment and cleanup
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 172 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.