UN 2821 — Phenol solution
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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.