UN 2589 — Vinyl chloroacetate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 155. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Vinyl chloroacetate is a flammable toxic liquid. Response concerns include vapor travel, flashback, toxic combustion products and possible polymerization under heat or contamination.
Hazard overview: Vapors can move along the ground and ignite at a distance. Heating, contamination or loss of inhibitor may increase pressure, and fire can release toxic chlorinated gases.
Response guidance: Eliminate ignition sources, isolate sewers and stay out of vapor paths. Use foam, dry chemical or CO2 for fire, cool containers from a protected position and monitor for pressure rise or venting.
Firefighter training notes: Training should cover flammable toxic liquid tactics, vapor travel, sewer protection and polymerization warning signs such as heating, bulging or venting containers.
Regulatory context: UN 2589 is Vinyl chloroacetate, Class 3 flammable liquid with toxic/corrosive concerns. Confirm inhibitor and shipping details from SDS and papers.
Storage & handling: Store cool, ventilated and away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, acids, bases and polymerization contaminants. Maintain inhibitor controls as specified.
UN 2589 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2589
- Flammable and toxic liquid; vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- May polymerize or decompose if heated, contaminated or uninhibited, increasing pressure in containers.
- Contact can irritate or burn skin and eyes; inhalation may be harmful.
- Fire may produce toxic hydrogen chloride, phosgene-like decomposition products and irritating organic vapors.
- Runoff to sewers can create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture violently when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Vinyl chloroacetate is a liquid organic ester. Vapors are expected to be heavier than air and can collect in low or confined areas.
| Also known as | Vinyl chloroacetateAcetic acid, chloro-, ethenyl esterChloroacetic acid vinyl esterEthenyl chloroacetate |
| CAS Number | 2549-55-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 21°C (70°F) |
| Boiling Point | 135-137°C (275-279°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No violent water reaction expected, but water may spread liquid and contaminated runoff; verify inhibitor and SDS. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2589
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and flame-resistant chemical protective clothing for fire or vapor entry. Gloves and suit material must be compatible with chlorinated organic liquids.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2589 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 155, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2589 — Vinyl chloroacetateUse 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.