☣️ UN 2818 • CLASS 8
UN 2818 — Ammonium polysulphide, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ 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.
Ammonium polysulphide, solution is a corrosive sulfide liquid with a strong rotten-egg odor. The key response concern is potential hydrogen sulfide release.
Hazard overview: Hydrogen sulfide can be rapidly dangerous, especially in low or confined areas. Acid contact, heating or decomposition can increase toxic gas release.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, stay upwind and monitor for hydrogen sulfide. Keep acids away, control runoff and use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide for fire when compatible.
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UN 2818 Quick Details
UN 2818
Product name: Ammonium polysulphide, solution
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 154 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; evacuate immediate area if large spill or fire
Common Hazards of UN 2818
- Ammonium polysulphide solution is corrosive and toxic by contact, inhalation or ingestion.
- It can release hydrogen sulfide, especially when heated, decomposed or acidified.
- Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and can accumulate in low areas.
- The solution may burn or support toxic smoke when involved in fire.
- Contact can burn skin and eyes and contaminate PPE.
- Runoff may be toxic to aquatic life and may keep releasing sulfide odors.
- Containers may vent, leak or rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
It is typically a yellow to amber liquid with a strong sulfide odor. Odor is not a reliable safety indicator because hydrogen sulfide can deaden smell at dangerous levels.
| Also known as | Ammonium polysulfide solutionAmmonium sulfide solution (polysulfide)Ammonium sulfuret |
| Appearance | Yellow to amber liquid with a strong, pungent odor of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs). Corrosive and toxic solution. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100C (212F) - aqueous solution |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution, releases H2S gas heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; releases toxic hydrogen sulfide gas upon decomposition or heating |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2818
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; avoid direct water streams on spills
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; face shield; avoid all skin contact
Use SCBA with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection. Do not rely on odor to judge safe entry; use gas monitoring.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; evacuate immediate area if large spill or fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 154).
First Actions for a UN 2818 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of vapors, dusts and runoff.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and protected.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to confirm protective actions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2818 — Ammonium polysulphide, solutionHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2818
Product: Ammonium polysulphide, solution
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 154
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; face shield; avoid all skin contact
ISOLATION: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; evacuate immediate area if large spill or fire
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 2818 — Ammonium polysulphide, solution
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 154
Appearance: Yellow to amber liquid with a strong, pungent odor of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs). Corrosive and toxic solution.
Water Reactivity: Miscible with water; releases toxic hydrogen sulfide gas upon decomposition or heating
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; avoid direct water streams on spills
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots; face shield; avoid all skin contact
Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; evacuate immediate area if large spill or fire
— Key Hazards —
• Ammonium polysulphide solution is corrosive and toxic by contact, inhalation or ingestion.
• It can release hydrogen sulfide, especially when heated, decomposed or acidified.
• Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and can accumulate in low areas.
— First Actions —
• Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter before entry.
• Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of vapors, dusts and runoff.
• Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/ammonium-polysulphide-solution-un-2818 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2818 Ammonium polysulphide, solution Cls8 ERG154 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/ammonium-polysulphide-solution-un-2818SMS / 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/ammonium-polysulphide-solution-un-2818
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2818
It may release hydrogen sulfide, especially when heated, decomposed or contacted by acid.
It is highly toxic and can accumulate in low areas; odor is not a reliable warning at dangerous levels.
Yes. The solution can burn skin and eyes and contaminate PPE.
Monitor for hydrogen sulfide and oxygen levels, especially in low or confined spaces.
Keep acids away because acidification can increase hydrogen sulfide release.
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.