UN 2874 — Furfuryl alcohol
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2874 is Furfuryl alcohol, a toxic combustible furfuryl alcohol liquid assigned to ERG Guide 153. Polymerization and toxic furan smoke are key concerns.
Hazard overview: TOXIC combustible furfuryl alcohol liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause injury. Combustible liquid; heated vapors may form ignitable mixtures with air. Can polymerize exothermically when heated, aged or contaminated with strong acids.
Response guidance: For UN 2874, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, aerosol or fire is present. Contain toxic runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2874 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Furfuryl alcohol is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Furfuryl alcohol should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2874 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2874
- TOXIC combustible furfuryl alcohol liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause injury.
- Combustible liquid; heated vapors may form ignitable mixtures with air.
- Can polymerize exothermically when heated, aged or contaminated with strong acids.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic furan smoke.
- Runoff may carry toxic organic contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint burning odor. Darkens upon exposure to air and light. Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | 2-Furylmethanol2-FuranmethanolFurfural alcohol2-FurancarbinolFurfuranol |
| CAS Number | 98-00-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint burning odor. Darkens upon exposure to air and light. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 65°C (149°F) |
| Boiling Point | 170°C (338°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; may polymerize when heated or in contact with acids |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2874
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 2874 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols 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 2874 — Furfuryl alcoholUse 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.