UN 2076 — Cresols, liquid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2076 is Cresols, liquid, a toxic/corrosive phenolic liquid assigned to ERG Guide 153. Skin absorption, phenolic burns and contaminated runoff are key hazards.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and CORROSIVE phenolic liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury. Cresols can be absorbed through skin and contaminated clothing. Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Response guidance: For a UN 2076 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 153. 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 2076 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Cresols, liquid 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: Cresols, liquid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, ventilated toxic/corrosive area with secondary containment, restricted access and segregation from incompatible chemicals according to SDS.
UN 2076 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2076
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE phenolic liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury.
- Cresols can be absorbed through skin and contaminated clothing.
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Liquid can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce phenolic smoke, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
- Runoff may be toxic, corrosive and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to yellowish-brown oily liquid with a sweet, tarry, phenolic odor. May be solid at room temperature depending on isomer composition.
| Also known as | Cresylic acidMethylphenolHydroxytolueneTricresolCresylic acid mixture |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish-brown oily liquid with a sweet, tarry, phenolic odor. May be solid at room temperature depending on isomer composition. |
| Flash Point | 81-86C (178-187F) |
| Boiling Point | 191-203C (376-397F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but forms acidic solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2076
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 selected from SDS; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2076 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 vapors, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- 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 spread, gas accumulation, cylinder heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 153, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2076 — Cresols, liquidUse 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.