UN 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandable
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2211 is Polymeric beads, expandable, a Class 9 expandable polymer entry assigned to ERG Guide 171. Heating can release flammable blowing-agent vapors.
Hazard overview: Expandable polymeric beads may release flammable vapors, often pentane-type blowing agent. Vapors may form explosive mixtures in confined or poorly ventilated areas. Beads can soften, expand and release additional vapor when heated.
Response guidance: For a UN 2211 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 or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2211 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 171, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Polymeric beads, expandable 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: Polymeric beads, expandable should be stored in a cool, ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and static discharge. Prevent vapor accumulation from blowing agents and keep packages intact.
UN 2211 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2211
- Expandable polymeric beads may release flammable vapors, often pentane-type blowing agent.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
- Beads can soften, expand and release additional vapor when heated.
- Static discharge, sparks or flames can ignite vapor-air mixtures.
- Fire may produce dense smoke, carbon monoxide and irritating gases.
- Loose beads can float, spread and obstruct drains or waterways.
- Containers or packages may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
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.
| 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 |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2211
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, smoke or heavy vapor. Wear gloves and eye protection for spill cleanup; use antistatic controls and respiratory protection if dust or vapor is present.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2211 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 gas, vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- 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/gas spread, cylinder heating, oxidizer 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 2211 — Polymeric beads, expandableUse 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.