☣️ UN 2211 • CLASS 9
UN 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandable
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
Polymeric beads, expandable are a type of plastic material that expands when heated. They are used in various industrial applications.
Hazard overview: Some polymeric beads may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated.
Response guidance: In case of fire, use dry chemical, CO2, or water spray to cool containers. Avoid using foam for fire control.
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UN 2211 Quick Details
UN 2211
Product name: Polymeric beads, expandable
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Common Hazards of UN 2211
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Polymeric beads, expandable are white to off-white spherical beads or granules with a slight styrene odor.
| Also known as | Expandable polystyrene beadsEPS beadsExpandable polymer beadsPre-expanded polystyreneStyrofoam beads |
| Appearance | White to off-white spherical beads or granules, odorless or slight styrene odor, solid at room temperature. Lightweight plastic polymer material that expands when heated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid polymer, burns slowly if ignited but does not readily ignite) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid polymer material, decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2211
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers; foam may be used for fire control
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
Wear Level D personal protective equipment for routine handling and Level C with SCBA for fire or heating.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 2211 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandableHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2211
Product: Polymeric beads, expandable
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Level D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandable
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: White to off-white spherical beads or granules, odorless or slight styrene odor, solid at room temperature. Lightweight plastic polymer material that expands when heated.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers; foam may be used for fire control
PPE: Level D for routine handling; Level C with SCBA if fire or heating produces decomposition products
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
• For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/polymeric-beads-expandable-un-2211 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2211 Polymeric beads, expandable Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/polymeric-beads-expandable-un-2211SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/polymeric-beads-expandable-un-2211
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2211
Yes, some polymeric beads may burn but none ignite readily.
Yes, containers may explode when heated.
Wear Level D for routine handling and Level C with SCBA for fire or heating.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.