UN 2861 — Ammonium polyvanadate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Ammonium polyvanadate is a toxic inorganic vanadium compound handled as a solid. Response priorities are dust control, exposure prevention, and runoff containment.
Hazard overview: The solid is not a simple fire hazard, but dust, contaminated solutions, and heated decomposition products can injure responders or spread contamination.
Response guidance: Isolate the spill, avoid sweeping that creates dust, and use wet methods only when runoff can be contained. Protect crews from dust and fumes during fire exposure.
Firefighter training notes: Training should cover toxic dust/vapor control, decontamination, runoff containment, respiratory protection, and SDS-based exposure precautions for UN 2861.
Regulatory context: Confirm the exact shipping description, hazard class, packaging, SDS, and ERG 151; disposal and cleanup may require hazardous-waste controls.
Storage & handling: Store tightly closed in a dry, labeled area away from food, incompatible materials, and conditions that could spread dust, vapor, or contaminated runoff.
UN 2861 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2861
- Toxic vanadium compound; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can cause serious injury.
- Dust can irritate or damage respiratory tissues and eyes.
- Dissolved material forms toxic solutions that can spread contamination.
- Heating may produce irritating and toxic vanadium-containing fumes.
- Nonflammable itself, but fire exposure may rupture containers.
- Avoid generating dust during spill control.
- Contaminated runoff should be contained for proper disposal.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to pale yellow crystalline powder or solid. Odorless. Soluble in water
| Also known as | Ammonium metavanadateAmmonium vanadateVanadate (VO31-), ammoniumAmmonium vanadium oxide |
| CAS Number | 12027-06-4 |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder or solid. Odorless. Soluble in water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at approximately 210C (410F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but forms toxic solutions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2861
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA or full-face respiratory protection, chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, boots, and eye protection; avoid contact with dust or solutions.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2861 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers or the SDS.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and prevent dust, vapor, or runoff from spreading.
- Stay upwind, uphill, and upstream; avoid breathing dust, fumes, or fire gases.
- Avoid all skin and eye contact with powder, liquid, solutions, or contaminated clothing.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without chemical-resistant PPE.
- Control runoff and keep material out of drains, soil, and waterways.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers, and exposure monitoring before cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2861 — Ammonium polyvanadateUse 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.