UN 2059 — Nitrocellulose solution, flammable
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2059 is Nitrocellulose solution, flammable, a highly flammable nitrocellulose-in-solvent solution assigned to ERG Guide 127. Drying residue and solvent vapors can create severe fire hazards.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE solvent solution containing nitrocellulose; vapors may ignite easily. Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to ignition sources. Nitrocellulose residue can burn rapidly if solvent evaporates or solution dries.
Response guidance: For a UN 2059 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 127. 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 2059 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, sewer flashback, peroxide/drying hazards where applicable, foam selection, container cooling and runoff control. Use ERG 127, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitrocellulose solution, flammable 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: Nitrocellulose solution, flammable should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2059 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2059
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE solvent solution containing nitrocellulose; vapors may ignite easily.
- Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to ignition sources.
- Nitrocellulose residue can burn rapidly if solvent evaporates or solution dries.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and dense irritating smoke.
- Drying, contamination or heat may increase fire intensity.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with a characteristic ether-like or solvent odor. The solution contains nitrocellulose dissolved in flammable organic solvents such as alcohols, esters, or ketones.
| Also known as | CollodionCellulose nitrate solutionNitrocellulose in solventPyroxylin solutionGun cotton solution |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with a characteristic ether-like or solvent odor. The solution contains nitrocellulose dissolved in flammable organic solvents such as alcohols, esters, or ketones. |
| Flash Point | -18C to 13C (0F to 55F) depending on solvent composition |
| Boiling Point | 35C to 82C (95F to 180F) depending on solvent mixture |
| Vapor Density | 2-3 (heavier than air, varies with solvent) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will separate as a layer |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2059
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2059 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- 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 127, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2059 — Nitrocellulose solution, flammableUse 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.