UN 2630 — Selenates
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2630 is Selenates, a broad toxic selenium salt category assigned to ERG Guide 151. Exact metal selenate and solubility should be verified.
Hazard overview: TOXIC selenium salt category; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with dust or solution may cause serious poisoning. Some selenates may also act as oxidizing salts; exact compound must be verified. Dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
Response guidance: For UN 2630, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Prevent spread of contaminated runoff, cool containers from protection and verify controls with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2630 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA use, dust/vapor control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Selenates 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: Selenates should be stored in tightly closed labeled containers in a secure toxic-material area with dust control, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation.
UN 2630 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2630
- TOXIC selenium salt category; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with dust or solution may cause serious poisoning.
- Some selenates may also act as oxidizing salts; exact compound must be verified.
- Dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
- Non-combustible solid, but heating may produce toxic selenium-containing fumes.
- Runoff may carry toxic selenium contamination and harm waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Physical behavior and solubility vary by metal selenate; verify SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Typically white to off-white crystalline solids or powders, odorless or faint odor. Physical appearance varies depending on the specific metal selenate compound.
| Also known as | Selenic acid saltsSelenium compoundsMetal selenatesSelenate salts |
| Appearance | Typically white to off-white crystalline solids or powders, odorless or faint odor. Physical appearance varies depending on the specific metal selenate compound. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic salt) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Most selenates are soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions. No violent reaction expected, but releases toxic selenium compounds. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2630
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2630 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 dust, liquid, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2630 — SelenatesUse 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.