UN 2516 — Carbon tetrabromide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2516 At a Glance
UN 2516 (Carbon tetrabromide) is listed as DOT Class 6 Toxic and is assigned to ERG Guide 151. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2516 is Carbon tetrabromide, a toxic brominated material assigned to ERG Guide 151. Dense vapor/liquid and toxic bromine fire products are key concerns.
Hazard overview: TOXIC brominated material; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury. Heavy vapor or dust can collect in low or poorly ventilated spaces. Non-flammable or not readily combustible, but heating can produce toxic/corrosive bromine or hydrogen bromide fumes.
Response guidance: For UN 2516, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain toxic/corrosive runoff and verify product controls with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2516 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA use, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Carbon tetrabromide 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: Carbon tetrabromide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2516 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2516
- TOXIC brominated material; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury.
- Heavy vapor or dust can collect in low or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Non-flammable or not readily combustible, but heating can produce toxic/corrosive bromine or hydrogen bromide fumes.
- Liquid or residues may be denser than water and spread contamination below the surface.
- Runoff may carry persistent brominated contamination and harm waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Avoid skin contact and prevent spread into drains or waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. Decomposes at elevated temperatures producing toxic bromine fumes.
| Also known as | TetrabromomethaneMethane tetrabromideCBr4Tetrabromocarbon |
| CAS Number | 558-13-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. Decomposes at elevated temperatures producing toxic bromine fumes. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | 189.5C (373F) with decomposition |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid at room temperature) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction but hydrolyzes slowly in presence of moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2516
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2516 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, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2516 — Carbon tetrabromideUse 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.