UN 2940 — Cyclooctadiene phosphines
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2940 is Cyclooctadiene phosphines, a moisture-sensitive spontaneously combustible phosphine entry assigned to ERG Guide 135. Product/SDS verification is important.
Hazard overview: SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE moisture-sensitive phosphine solid; may ignite on contact with air or moisture. May react with water or moist air, releasing heat and toxic phosphine/phosphorus-containing vapors. May burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
Response guidance: For UN 2940, isolate the area, avoid dust/friction and use SCBA. Use only compatible dry media, watch for re-ignition or violent decomposition and follow SDS/ERG 135.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2940 should emphasize dry-media tactics, moisture/friction control, re-ignition, remote operations, SCBA use and runoff/debris control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Cyclooctadiene phosphines is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Cyclooctadiene phosphines should be stored dry in tightly closed compatible containers away from moisture, heat, ignition sources and incompatible materials. Keep compatible dry media available.
UN 2940 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2940
- SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE moisture-sensitive phosphine solid; may ignite on contact with air or moisture.
- May react with water or moist air, releasing heat and toxic phosphine/phosphorus-containing vapors.
- May burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water, foam or CO2 may worsen some reactions or spread burning material.
- Fire may produce phosphorus oxides and toxic organic smoke.
- Runoff may carry reactive or toxic contamination.
- Exact complex/formulation should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Yellow to orange crystalline or powdery solid with a mild phosphine odor. Solid at room temperature, often moisture-sensitive.
| Also known as | Cyclooctadiene phosphinesCOD phosphine complexes1,5-Cyclooctadiene phosphine compounds |
| Appearance | Yellow to orange crystalline or powdery solid with a mild phosphine odor. Solid at room temperature, often moisture-sensitive. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture and water, may ignite spontaneously on contact with moist air |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2940
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust or smoke. Wear flame/chemical protection and avoid dust, friction and incompatible media.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2940 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, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water or moisture contact controlled because reaction, toxic fuming or re-ignition hazards may be severe.
- 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 135, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2940 — Cyclooctadiene phosphinesUse 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.