UN 2558 — Epibromohydrin
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Epibromohydrin is a toxic, flammable liquid shipped as UN 2558. It presents vapor inhalation, skin absorption, flash fire and toxic smoke hazards.
Hazard overview: Epibromohydrin may be fatal by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Its vapors can ignite, collect in low areas and produce corrosive toxic fumes during fire.
Response guidance: Control ignition sources, isolate the area and keep responders upwind. Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 for fire; water spray may cool containers but should not spread contamination.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to manage combined toxic-by-skin and flammable-vapor hazards. Include decon, ignition control and air monitoring.
Regulatory context: UN 2558 is transported as Epibromohydrin, Class 6 toxic material with flammable liquid concerns. Verify labels, quantity and emergency contacts.
Storage & handling: Store tightly closed in a cool, ventilated flammable/toxic liquid area away from heat, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2558 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2558
- Epibromohydrin is toxic; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Liquid and vapor can irritate or burn the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- It is a flammable liquid; vapors can form ignitable mixtures with air.
- Vapors may be heavier than air and collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire can produce corrosive and toxic brominated fumes.
- Runoff from spill or fire control may be toxic and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Epibromohydrin is a colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with an irritating, chloroform-like odor. Vapor is heavier than air.
| Also known as | 1-Bromo-2,3-epoxypropane3-Bromopropylene oxideBromoepoxyethaneEpibromohydrin3-Bromo-1,2-epoxypropane |
| CAS Number | 3132-64-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an irritating, chloroform-like odor. Volatile liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 51°C (124°F) |
| Boiling Point | 134-138°C (273-280°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.8 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but slowly hydrolyzes to form toxic products |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2558
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and chemical-resistant clothing. Level A may be needed for unknown vapor levels or significant skin absorption risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2558 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and control ignition sources.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of vapor, liquid and runoff.
- Avoid breathing vapor and prevent all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled liquid without chemical-resistant PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only with trained personnel, SCBA and monitoring.
- Use ERG 131, SDS and shipping papers to confirm protective action and decontamination.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2558 — EpibromohydrinUse 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.