UN 2315 — Polychlorinated biphenyls, liquid
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2315 is Polychlorinated biphenyls, liquid, a Class 9 persistent PCB liquid assigned to ERG Guide 171. It is a health and environmental contamination hazard, especially if heated or burned.
Hazard overview: CLASS 9 persistent toxic environmental contaminant; liquid PCBs may be harmful by skin contact, ingestion or inhalation of mist/smoke. May burn but does not ignite readily; heated containers may rupture or fail. Fire can produce very toxic chlorinated smoke, hydrogen chloride, dioxins/furans and other hazardous decomposition products.
Response guidance: For a UN 2315 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 171. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2315 should emphasize PCB contamination control, toxic chlorinated smoke, dioxin/furan risk in fire, runoff containment, decontamination and regulated waste handling. Use ERG 171, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Polychlorinated biphenyls, liquid 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: Polychlorinated biphenyls, liquid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with secondary containment, spill control and restricted access to prevent environmental contamination. Keep away from heat, ignition sources and strong oxidizers.
UN 2315 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2315
- CLASS 9 persistent toxic environmental contaminant; liquid PCBs may be harmful by skin contact, ingestion or inhalation of mist/smoke.
- May burn but does not ignite readily; heated containers may rupture or fail.
- Fire can produce very toxic chlorinated smoke, hydrogen chloride, dioxins/furans and other hazardous decomposition products.
- Liquid is oily, persistent and may sink or form a separate layer in water.
- Runoff can cause long-term soil, water and equipment contamination.
- Avoid all skin contact and prevent spread on boots, tools, vehicles and runoff.
- Contaminated debris and PPE require controlled disposal.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to light yellow oily liquid with a mild aromatic or odorless characteristic. Viscous consistency, denser than water.
| Also known as | PCBsChlorinated biphenylsAroclorAskarelChlorinated diphenyl |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow oily liquid with a mild aromatic or odorless characteristic. Viscous consistency, denser than water. |
| Flash Point | Typically 170-290C (338-554F) depending on chlorine content |
| Boiling Point | 340-375C (644-707F) depending on isomer mixture |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (relative density >5) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble and will sink or form separate layer |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2315
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2315 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, residues, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- 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, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 171, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2315 — Polychlorinated biphenyls, liquidUse 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.