UN 2464 — Beryllium nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 141. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2464 At a Glance
UN 2464 (Beryllium nitrate) is listed as DOT Class 5 Oxidizer and is assigned to ERG Guide 141. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2464 is Beryllium nitrate, a toxic oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 141. Beryllium dust exposure and oxidizer contamination control are critical.
Hazard overview: TOXIC OXIDIZER; accelerates burning and can intensify fire involving combustibles. Beryllium dust or mist is highly toxic and a serious chronic inhalation hazard. May decompose or explode from heat, contamination or contact with incompatible materials.
Response guidance: For UN 2464, isolate the area, remove combustibles and prevent fuel/organic contamination. Cool containers from protection, use oxidizer-compatible tactics and contain toxic or oxidizing runoff under ERG 141.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2464 should emphasize oxidizer contamination control, incompatible fuels/organics, decomposition signs, container cooling, toxic runoff and decontamination. Use ERG 141, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Beryllium nitrate is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Beryllium nitrate should be stored in compatible oxidizer-rated containers away from fuels, oils, organics, reducing agents, acids where incompatible and combustible contamination.
UN 2464 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2464
- TOXIC OXIDIZER; accelerates burning and can intensify fire involving combustibles.
- Beryllium dust or mist is highly toxic and a serious chronic inhalation hazard.
- May decompose or explode from heat, contamination or contact with incompatible materials.
- Contact with fuels, oils, organics or reducing agents increases fire/explosion risk.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides and toxic beryllium-containing fumes or dust.
- Runoff may carry toxic oxidizer contamination.
- Avoid dust generation and secondary contamination of PPE or tools.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Highly toxic and carcinogenic beryllium compound with oxidizing properties.
| Also known as | Beryllium dinitrateNitric acid beryllium saltBeryllium(II) nitrate |
| CAS Number | 13597-99-4 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Highly toxic and carcinogenic beryllium compound with oxidizing properties. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 100-110C (212-230F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, forming acidic solution. No violent reaction expected. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2464
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and full chemical protective clothing. Prevent inhalation of beryllium dust/mist and avoid secondary contamination of PPE, tools and clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2464 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 fuels, oils, organics, reducing agents and combustible contamination away from the oxidizer.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 141, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2464 — Beryllium nitrateUse 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.