UN 2871 — Antimony powder
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Antimony powder 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 Antimony powder 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 2871.
Regulatory context: Verify the SDS, shipping papers, packaging condition, and ERG 170 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 2871 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2871
- Flammable metal powder; dust can ignite from heat, sparks, friction, or static discharge.
- Airborne powder may form explosive dust clouds.
- Metal fire can burn intensely and may re-ignite after extinguishment.
- Water contact with burning or fine metal may worsen the fire or spread material.
- Fire can produce toxic antimony oxide fumes.
- Dust inhalation is hazardous even without fire.
- Containers may rupture or scatter powder when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Silvery-white to gray lustrous metallic powder. Odorless. Stable at room temperature as a solid powder
| Also known as | Antimony metal powderStibium powderAntimony elementSb powder |
| CAS Number | 7440-36-0 |
| Appearance | Silvery-white to gray lustrous metallic powder. Odorless. Stable at room temperature as a solid powder. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (combustible metal powder) |
| Boiling Point | 1587C (2889F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water under certain conditions, particularly when hot or finely divided; generally stable but avoid contact with moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2871
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 2871 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 2871 — Antimony powderUse 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.