UN 2821 — Phenol solution
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2821 At a Glance
UN 2821 (Phenol solution) is listed as DOT Class 6 Toxic and is assigned to ERG Guide 153. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2821 is Phenol solution, a toxic phenol solution assigned to ERG Guide 153. Skin absorption, concentration and carrier solvent must be verified.
Hazard overview: TOXIC phenol solution; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe systemic injury. Phenol can be absorbed through skin and contaminated clothing. Solution may be combustible depending on concentration and carrier.
Response guidance: For UN 2821, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain corrosive/toxic runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2821 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Phenol solution is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Phenol solution should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2821 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2821
- TOXIC phenol solution; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe systemic injury.
- Phenol can be absorbed through skin and contaminated clothing.
- Solution may be combustible depending on concentration and carrier.
- Contact can cause severe chemical burns and delayed tissue injury.
- Fire may produce phenolic smoke, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
- Runoff may be toxic, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Exact concentration and carrier solvent must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to light pink crystalline solid or clear liquid (when dissolved in water). Characteristic sweet, acrid odor. Solutions may be clear to slightly colored.
| Also known as | Carbolic acidHydroxybenzenePhenylic acidBenzenol |
| CAS Number | 108-95-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless to light pink crystalline solid or clear liquid (when dissolved in water). Characteristic sweet, acrid odor. Solutions may be clear to slightly colored. |
| Flash Point | 79C (175F) |
| Boiling Point | 182C (360F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but solutions are corrosive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2821
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing. Level A may be needed for heavy vapor, splash, fuming or unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2821 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2821 — Phenol solutionUse 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.