☣️ UN 2721 • CLASS 5
UN 2721 — Copper chlorate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
Copper chlorate is an oxidizing solid; contamination with fuels, organics or reducing agents can make a fire more violent.
Hazard overview: Copper chlorate should be treated as an oxidizing solid. It can make ordinary combustibles burn faster and may decompose violently if heated or contaminated.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources and keep combustibles away. Use dry chemical or dry sand for small material fires when appropriate; cool exposed containers from a protected distance with water spray if it can be done safely.
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UN 2721 Quick Details
UN 2721
Product name: Copper chlorate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Small spill isolate 100m all directions. Large spill isolate 500m all directions, protect from shock/friction/heat. If fire involved, evacuate 800m radius.
Common Hazards of UN 2721
- Copper chlorate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
- Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
- Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated in a fire.
- Dust, solution or decomposition fumes may irritate or injure the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating metal oxide and nitrogen/chlorine oxide fumes.
- Runoff can spread oxidizer contamination and increase fire or environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Blue-green crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air
| Also known as | Cupric chlorateCopper(II) chlorateChloric acid copper(II) salt |
| CAS Number | 14721-21-2 |
| Appearance | Blue-green crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; solution is corrosive. No violent reaction with water itself. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2721
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, or earth only. Do not use water streams directly on material. May use water spray from distance to cool containers.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum recommended. SCBA with full face piece. Chemical-resistant suit and gloves required. Avoid contact with combustibles.
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: Small spill isolate 100m all directions. Large spill isolate 500m all directions, protect from shock/friction/heat. If fire involved, evacuate 800m radius.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 2721 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use the ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, PPE and tactical decisions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2721 — Copper chlorateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2721
Product: Copper chlorate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum recommended. SCBA with full face piece. Chemical-resistant suit and gloves required. Avoid contact with combustibles.
ISOLATION: ERG 140: Small spill isolate 100m all directions. Large spill isolate 500m all directions, protect from shock/friction/heat. If fire involved, evacuate 800m radius.
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2721 — Copper chlorate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: Blue-green crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; solution is corrosive. No violent reaction with water itself.
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or earth only. Do not use water streams directly on material. May use water spray from distance to cool containers.
PPE: Level B minimum recommended. SCBA with full face piece. Chemical-resistant suit and gloves required. Avoid contact with combustibles.
Isolation: ERG 140: Small spill isolate 100m all directions. Large spill isolate 500m all directions, protect from shock/friction/heat. If fire involved, evacuate 800m radius.
— Key Hazards —
• Copper chlorate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
• Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
• Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
— First Actions —
• Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
• Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
• Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/copper-chlorate-un-2721 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2721 Copper chlorate Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/copper-chlorate-un-2721SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/copper-chlorate-un-2721
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2721
UN 2721 is Copper chlorate, regulated as an oxidizing hazardous material for transport and emergency response.
The main concern is an oxidizing hazardous material behavior plus exposure risk from dust, vapor, liquid or fire products.
Approach from upwind, isolate the area, keep nonessential people out and verify the exact product with shipping papers or SDS.
Water may dissolve the material and spread contamination. Use water spray mainly for cooling exposed containers unless the SDS or incident commander directs otherwise.
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
Fire can accelerate rapidly and may involve container rupture or toxic oxidizer decomposition fumes.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.