UN 2564 — Trichloroacetic acid, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2564 At a Glance
UN 2564 (Trichloroacetic acid, solution) is listed as DOT Class 8 Corrosive and is assigned to ERG Guide 153. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
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.