UN 2216 — Fish scrap, stabilized
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2216 is Fish scrap, stabilized, a stabilized Class 9 organic material assigned to ERG Guide 171. The main concerns are heating, smoldering, odor/dust exposure and organic runoff if involved in fire.
Hazard overview: STABILIZED organic material; may burn but does not ignite readily. Improperly stabilized or moisture-contaminated material may self-heat and smolder. Dust or decomposition products may irritate the respiratory tract.
Response guidance: For a UN 2216 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 171. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2216 should emphasize self-heating recognition, pile temperature checks, smoldering/re-ignition, ventilation, overhaul and organic runoff control. Use ERG 171, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Fish scrap, stabilized 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: Fish scrap, stabilized should be stored in cool, dry, ventilated conditions with controls for moisture, pile size, heat buildup and contamination. Monitor for self-heating, odor change, smoke or temperature rise according to SDS/cargo procedures.
UN 2216 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2216
- STABILIZED organic material; may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Improperly stabilized or moisture-contaminated material may self-heat and smolder.
- Dust or decomposition products may irritate the respiratory tract.
- Heating or fire may produce irritating smoke, carbon monoxide and organic decomposition gases.
- Piles or bags may retain heat and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Runoff may carry organic contamination and strong odor.
- Containers or packages may fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Brown to dark brown granular or pelletized solid material with a characteristic fishy odor. Transported as a dry, stabilized product at ambient or elevated temperature.
| Also known as | Fish meal, stabilizedStabilized fish scrapFish protein concentrateFish meal pellets |
| Appearance | Brown to dark brown granular or pelletized solid material with a characteristic fishy odor. Transported as a dry, stabilized product at ambient or elevated temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (stabilized organic material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid organic material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; may absorb moisture causing heating and potential spontaneous combustion if not properly stabilized |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2216
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, smoke or decomposition exposure. Wear gloves, eye protection and protective clothing for handling; respiratory protection may be needed for dust, odor or moldy/decomposing material.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2216 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Look for self-heating, smoldering, odor change or re-ignition, especially in piles, bags or confined storage.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled 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, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 171, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2216 — Fish scrap, stabilizedUse 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.