UN 2579 — Piperazine
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Piperazine is a corrosive alkaline solid. The main response concerns are dust exposure, corrosive solution formation and irritating fumes from heated material.
Hazard overview: Dry material can irritate the respiratory tract and eyes, while dissolved material forms a strongly alkaline corrosive solution. Fire or heating may release irritating fumes.
Response guidance: Avoid dust generation, keep release material out of drains and use water spray, dry chemical, CO2 or foam for surrounding fires as conditions allow. Do not enter confined areas until monitored and ventilated by trained personnel.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to distinguish alkaline corrosive solids from acids while still using full contact protection. Include dust control, runoff containment and decontamination of alkaline residues.
Regulatory context: UN 2579 is transported as Piperazine, Class 8 corrosive. Use shipping papers and SDS to confirm form, concentration and cleanup requirements.
Storage & handling: Store closed and dry, away from acids, oxidizers and food or feed materials. Protect from heat and moisture that could create corrosive residues.
UN 2579 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2579
- Corrosive alkaline solid; contact with dust or solution can burn skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of dust or vapor from heated material may irritate or damage the respiratory tract.
- Combustible solid; may burn when heated and produce irritating nitrogen-containing fumes.
- Readily dissolves in water to form a strongly alkaline corrosive solution.
- Molten or heated material can cause thermal and chemical burns.
- Runoff from firefighting or spills may be corrosive.
- Containers may rupture or release irritating vapors when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Piperazine is commonly a white to off-white crystalline solid with an ammonia-like odor. It is hygroscopic and may clump when exposed to air.
| Also known as | HexahydropyrazineDiethylenediamine1,4-DiazacyclohexanePiperazine anhydrous |
| CAS Number | 110-85-0 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid or deliquescent crystals with an ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and may form lumps on exposure to air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | 146C (295F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid at room temperature) |
| Water Reactivity | Readily soluble in water; no violent reaction but solution is strongly alkaline and corrosive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2579
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA where dust, vapor or fire gases may be present. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, suit and face protection are required to prevent alkaline burns.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2579 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2579 — PiperazineUse 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.