UN 2071 — Ammonium nitrate based fertilizer
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2071 is Ammonium nitrate based fertilizer, an ammonium nitrate fertilizer entry assigned to ERG Guide 140. It is not a fuel, but it can accelerate burning and may decompose violently when heated or contaminated.
Hazard overview: OXIDIZER/fertilizer material; can accelerate burning when involved in fire. May decompose violently or explosively when heated, confined, contaminated or involved in a large fire. Contamination with fuels, oils, organic materials, reducing agents or finely divided metals greatly increases hazard.
Response guidance: For a UN 2071 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 140. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2071 should emphasize oxidizer contamination control, large-fire evacuation, decomposition signs, water-flooding tactics, separation from fuels/organics and runoff control. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ammonium nitrate based fertilizer is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Ammonium nitrate based fertilizer should be stored cool, dry and segregated from fuels, oils, organics, reducing agents, finely divided metals and combustible contamination. Avoid confinement, heat buildup and incompatible storage; follow fertilizer-specific fire code and SDS requirements.
UN 2071 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2071
- OXIDIZER/fertilizer material; can accelerate burning when involved in fire.
- May decompose violently or explosively when heated, confined, contaminated or involved in a large fire.
- Contamination with fuels, oils, organic materials, reducing agents or finely divided metals greatly increases hazard.
- Decomposition may release toxic nitrogen oxides and ammonia-containing gases.
- Runoff may carry nitrate contamination and create environmental hazards.
- Containers or piles may rupture, burst or explode when heated.
- Material itself is not a fuel, but it can make nearby combustible materials burn more intensely.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to off-white or grayish granular solid or prills. Odorless or slight ammonia odor. Hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from air.
| Also known as | Ammonium nitrate fertilizerAN fertilizerNitrogen fertilizerNitram fertilizerAgricultural ammonium nitrate |
| Appearance | White to off-white or grayish granular solid or prills. Odorless or slight ammonia odor. Hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at approximately 210C (410F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water; dissolution process is endothermic (absorbs heat). No violent reaction but contamination may cause decomposition. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2071
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and full protective clothing for fire, decomposition smoke or dust exposure. Avoid contaminated clothing/tools and keep fertilizer away from fuels or organic contamination.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2071 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapors, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep fuels, oils, organics, reducing agents and combustible contamination away from the fertilizer.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor spread, gas accumulation, cylinder heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 140, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2071 — Ammonium nitrate based fertilizerUse 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.