UN 2819 — Amyl acid phosphate
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2819 is Amyl acid phosphate, a corrosive organic acid phosphate assigned to ERG Guide 153. Acidic runoff and combustible fire behavior are key concerns.
Hazard overview: CORROSIVE organic acid phosphate liquid; skin, eye or respiratory contact can cause severe injury. Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite readily. Hydrolyzes slowly with water, forming acidic phosphate-containing runoff.
Response guidance: For UN 2819, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain corrosive/toxic runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2819 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Amyl acid phosphate is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Amyl acid phosphate should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2819 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2819
- CORROSIVE organic acid phosphate liquid; skin, eye or respiratory contact can cause severe injury.
- Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Hydrolyzes slowly with water, forming acidic phosphate-containing runoff.
- Heated vapors may collect in low or confined areas and form ignitable mixtures.
- Fire may produce phosphorus oxides, carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Runoff may be acidic, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with a mild characteristic odor. Corrosive organic phosphate ester.
| Also known as | Amyl phosphatePentyl phosphateAmyl acid orthophosphatePhosphoric acid amyl ester |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a mild characteristic odor. Corrosive organic phosphate ester. |
| Flash Point | 93C (200F) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 200-250C (392-482F) with decomposition |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water producing phosphoric acid; avoid prolonged contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2819
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2819 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2819 — Amyl acid phosphateUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.