UN 2557 — Nitrocellulose mixture, with or without plasticizer
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2557 covers nitrocellulose mixtures with or without plasticizer. Because formulation affects sensitivity and burning behavior, responders should verify the exact product before handling.
Hazard overview: Nitrocellulose mixtures may ignite from friction, heat, sparks or flame and can burn rapidly. Dryness, particle size, film form and plasticizer content can change the severity of the hazard.
Response guidance: Control ignition sources, isolate the area and avoid disturbing spilled material. Use dry chemical, CO2, foam or other SDS-approved agents for fire; cool exposures from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to avoid assuming all nitrocellulose mixtures behave the same. Practice SDS verification, ignition control and standoff for unknown formulations.
Regulatory context: UN 2557 is transported as Nitrocellulose mixture, with or without plasticizer, Class 4 flammable solid. Verify formulation, quantity and packaging.
Storage & handling: Store away from heat, flame, sparks, oxidizers and friction. Keep containers closed and protect from drying, contamination and physical damage.
UN 2557 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2557
- Nitrocellulose mixtures are flammable solids; exact behavior depends on plasticizer and formulation.
- Friction, heat, sparks or flame can ignite the material.
- Finely divided or film-like material may burn rapidly.
- Fire can produce irritating and toxic smoke.
- Dry or poorly plasticized material may be more sensitive than expected.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
- Runoff and residues may remain flammable or contaminated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
The product may appear as a white to slightly yellow fibrous, granular, film-like or gel-like material depending on plasticizer and processing.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitratePyroxylinGuncottonCollodion cottonNitrocotton |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or gel-like material when plasticized. Odorless or slight camphor-like odor depending on plasticizer content. Solid at room temperature, may be in fibrous, granular, or film form. |
| Flash Point | Highly flammable; ignites readily at temperatures as low as 160-170C (320-338F) depending on nitrogen content and plasticizer |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling; deflagrates at approximately 160-170C) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; material is water-insoluble but stable in contact with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2557
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire or smoke. Wear protective clothing, gloves and eye protection; use extra caution if the formulation or dryness is unknown.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2557 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 smoke, dust and runoff.
- Avoid breathing smoke or dust; avoid skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or unknown mixture residue without PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use ERG 133, SDS and shipping papers to verify formulation, plasticizer and response tactics.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2557 — Nitrocellulose mixture, with or withoutUse 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.