UN 2870 — Aluminum borohydride in devices
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Aluminum borohydride in devices requires dry, cautious hazmat handling because moisture, dust, or damaged packaging can change the incident quickly. Verify the exact product condition before applying water or moving containers.
Hazard overview: The key hazards for Aluminum borohydride in devices are reactive fire behavior, toxic or corrosive fumes, and contaminated runoff. Fine particles, damaged devices, or wet material can be much more dangerous than intact product.
Response guidance: Isolate the release, keep water away from reactive material, remove ignition sources, and monitor for hydrogen or acid gases where relevant. Use dry sand, dry powder, lime, soda ash, or other compatible dry media only when appropriate to the exact material.
Firefighter training notes: Training should focus on moisture exclusion, dry extinguishing media, gas monitoring, and withdrawal distances for UN 2870.
Regulatory context: Verify the SDS, shipping papers, packaging condition, and ERG 135 before selecting water, neutralization, or cleanup tactics.
Storage & handling: Store dry and tightly closed, away from water, humidity, incompatible acids/bases, oxidizers, fuels, and ignition sources as specified by SDS.
UN 2870 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2870
- Damaged devices can expose aluminum borohydride that may ignite with air or moisture and release hydrogen.
- Contact can injure skin, eyes, and respiratory tissue; fumes may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating decomposition products.
- Containers or devices may rupture when heated or contaminated.
- Direct water, foam, or incompatible agents can worsen the incident for released reactive material.
- Runoff can become corrosive or contaminated and should be contained.
- Use SDS, shipping papers, and monitoring before selecting final tactics.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. Pyrophoric liquid that ignites spontaneously in moist air. Typically shipped in sealed devices or containers under inert atmosphere
| Also known as | Aluminum tetrahydroborateTetrahydroaluminum borateAluminum borohydride solutionAluminium borohydride |
| CAS Number | 16962-07-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. Pyrophoric liquid that ignites spontaneously in moist air. Typically shipped in sealed devices or containers under inert atmosphere. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric, ignites spontaneously below room temperature) |
| Boiling Point | 44C (111F) at 760 mmHg |
| Vapor Density | 2.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Never use water directly on this material. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2870
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA with chemical- and heat-protective clothing. Specialist metal-fire or water-reactive tactics may be needed, and distance remains part of PPE.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2870 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers or the SDS.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and isolate the area from ignition and moisture sources.
- Stay upwind, uphill, and upstream; avoid low areas where corrosive fumes or hydrogen may collect.
- Avoid breathing fumes and prevent all skin and eye contact with material or runoff.
- Do not touch containers or residue without SCBA and chemical-resistant PPE.
- Do not apply water directly to the material unless specialist guidance confirms it is safe.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers, and monitoring for hydrogen, acid gases, and oxygen levels.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2870 — Aluminum borohydride in devicesUse 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.