UN 2212 — Asbestos, amphibole
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2212 is Asbestos, amphibole, an asbestos fiber hazard assigned to ERG Guide 171. Preventing airborne fiber release is the main emergency response goal.
Hazard overview: ASBESTOS fiber hazard; inhalation of airborne fibers can cause serious long-term lung disease. Material itself is non-flammable, but fire or mechanical damage can release fibers. Dust disturbance can contaminate clothing, tools, vehicles and structures.
Response guidance: For a UN 2212 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 171. 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 2212 should emphasize fiber release prevention, respiratory protection, wet methods, containment, decontamination and asbestos waste handling. Use ERG 171, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Asbestos, amphibole 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: Asbestos, amphibole should be stored in sealed, labeled, damage-resistant packaging to prevent fiber release. Keep material dry or controlled as required by asbestos procedures and prevent unauthorized handling.
UN 2212 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2212
- ASBESTOS fiber hazard; inhalation of airborne fibers can cause serious long-term lung disease.
- Material itself is non-flammable, but fire or mechanical damage can release fibers.
- Dust disturbance can contaminate clothing, tools, vehicles and structures.
- Do not sweep, blow or dry-handle damaged asbestos-containing material.
- Runoff or debris may carry asbestos contamination.
- Packaging damage can increase fiber release.
- Respiratory protection and controlled decontamination are critical.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Gray to blue or brown fibrous mineral solid with no odor. Occurs as bundles of long, thin fibers that can separate into finer fibrils at room temperature.
| Also known as | Amphibole asbestosAmositeCrocidoliteTremolite asbestosActinolite asbestosAnthophyllite asbestos |
| CAS Number | 12172-73-5 |
| Appearance | Gray to blue or brown fibrous mineral solid with no odor. Occurs as bundles of long, thin fibers that can separate into finer fibrils at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible mineral) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (mineral solid, decomposes at high temperature) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2212
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use respiratory protection approved for asbestos fibers, disposable protective clothing and controlled decontamination. Avoid fiber release and follow asbestos-specific procedures.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2212 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 gas, vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid disturbing dust; do not sweep, blow or dry-handle damaged material.
- 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/gas spread, cylinder heating, oxidizer reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 171, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2212 — Asbestos, amphiboleUse 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.