UN 2564 — Trichloroacetic acid, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Trichloroacetic acid solution is a corrosive liquid shipped as UN 2564. Concentration affects severity, so responders should verify the SDS and shipping papers before neutralization or cleanup.
Hazard overview: The solution can cause severe burns and respiratory irritation from mist or vapor. Heating can release corrosive and toxic fumes, and acidic runoff may damage equipment or waterways.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, avoid contact and contain runoff. Use water spray, dry chemical or CO2 for surrounding fires as appropriate; neutralization and cleanup should follow the SDS and hazmat procedures.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews on acid spill isolation, decon, runoff containment and concentration-dependent neutralization. Do not improvise neutralization without SDS guidance.
Regulatory context: UN 2564 is transported as Trichloroacetic acid, solution, Class 8 corrosive. Verify concentration, packing group and emergency contact details.
Storage & handling: Store in corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment, away from bases, metals, oxidizers and heat.
UN 2564 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2564
- Trichloroacetic acid solution is corrosive; contact can cause severe skin and eye burns.
- Mist or vapor can irritate or damage the respiratory tract.
- Dilution with water may release heat; splashing can worsen exposure.
- Heating or fire can produce corrosive and toxic chlorine-containing fumes.
- Runoff may be acidic, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Contact with some metals may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Depending on concentration, trichloroacetic acid may be a colorless aqueous solution or a white crystalline acid dissolved in water with a pungent odor.
| Also known as | TCATrichloroethanoic acidAceto-caustinTrichloracetic acidTrichloroacetate |
| CAS Number | 76-03-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless to white crystalline solid or aqueous solution with a pungent, acrid odor. Deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 197C (387F) for pure acid; varies with solution concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (low volatility liquid/solid solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water; solution is highly corrosive and generates heat upon dilution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2564
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA where mist, vapor or fire gases may be present. Wear acid-resistant suit, gloves, boots and full eye/face protection.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2564 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and isolate the spill area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of mist, vapor and runoff.
- Avoid breathing mist or vapor; prevent all skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled acid without chemical-resistant PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only with trained personnel, SCBA and monitoring.
- Use ERG 153, SDS and shipping papers to verify concentration, neutralization and decon.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2564 — Trichloroacetic acid, solutionUse 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.