UN 2880 — Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2880 is Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water, an oxidizing hydrated mixture assigned to ERG Guide 140. Contamination, heat and chlorine release are key risks.
Hazard overview: OXIDIZING hydrated calcium hypochlorite mixture; can greatly intensify fire involving combustibles. Contamination with organics, oils, fuels, acids or reducing agents can cause fire, chlorine release or violent decomposition. Moisture, heat or confinement may accelerate decomposition and pressure buildup.
Response guidance: For UN 2880, isolate the area, remove combustibles and prevent contamination with organics, fuels, acids or reducing agents. Use oxidizer-compatible tactics under ERG 140.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2880 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package verification. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture, with not less than 5.5% but not more than 16% water should be stored cool, dry and segregated from acids, ammonia, organics, fuels, oils, reducing agents and combustible contamination. Keep packaging clean and closed.
UN 2880 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2880
- OXIDIZING hydrated calcium hypochlorite mixture; can greatly intensify fire involving combustibles.
- Contamination with organics, oils, fuels, acids or reducing agents can cause fire, chlorine release or violent decomposition.
- Moisture, heat or confinement may accelerate decomposition and pressure buildup.
- Dust or solution can burn or irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce chlorine, oxygen and other toxic/corrosive gases.
- Runoff may be oxidizing, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Exact water content and contamination status affect stability.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to grayish-white granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine odor. Solid at room temperature, hygroscopic.
| Also known as | Calcium hypochlorite hydrateHydrated calcium hypochloriteHTHCalcium oxychloride hydrateChlorinated lime hydrated |
| CAS Number | 7778-54-3 |
| Appearance | White to grayish-white granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine odor. Solid at room temperature, hygroscopic. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes above 100C/212F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing heat and chlorine gas; avoid large amounts of water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2880
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing. Level A may be needed for heavy vapor, fuming, dust, splash risk or unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2880 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 aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid incompatible water, moisture or contamination controls that could intensify fire or reaction.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 140, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2880 — Calcium hypochlorite, hydrated mixture,Use 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.