UN 1714 — Zinc phosphide
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 139. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1714 is Zinc phosphide, a dangerous-when-wet phosphide assigned to ERG Guide 139. Moisture can release highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas, making dry control and air monitoring critical.
Hazard overview: UN 1714 presents phosphine inhalation, flammable gas and water-reaction hazards. Keep the material dry, avoid low areas and use only compatible dry agents under incident command.
Response guidance: For a UN 1714 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 139. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1714 should emphasize phosphine generation, dangerous-when-wet behavior, dry-agent selection, moisture exclusion, air monitoring and odor unreliability. Use ERG 139, SDS and hazmat SOP.
Regulatory context: Zinc phosphide is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by concentration, formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Zinc phosphide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, secure area away from water, moisture, acids, oxidizers, heat and ignition sources. Storage should include phosphine emergency planning and moisture control appropriate to the SDS.
UN 1714 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1714
- DANGEROUS WHEN WET; contact with water or moisture can release toxic and flammable phosphine gas.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Phosphine can be rapidly dangerous in low, enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
- Reaction with water may generate heat, pressure and violent spattering.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Runoff or water application may spread contamination and increase phosphine generation.
- Garlic-like odor is not a reliable safety warning for phosphine exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Dark gray or black crystalline powder with a slight odor of phosphine or garlic. Solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Zinc phosphideTrizinc diphosphidePhosphure de zincRatolGopha-Rid |
| CAS Number | 1314-84-7 |
| Appearance | Dark gray or black crystalline powder with a slight odor of phosphine or garlic. Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (reactive solid) |
| Boiling Point | 1100C (2012F) - decomposes before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water and moisture to produce toxic phosphine gas (PH3) and heat; may ignite spontaneously |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1714
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for any suspected phosphine, fire, dust or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye/face protection should be selected from SDS; phosphine monitoring and dry tools are important.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1714 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 vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water, foam and moisture away from the material unless incident command confirms a compatible control use.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Monitor for phosphine where available; odor is not a reliable warning.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 139, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1714 — Zinc phosphideUse 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.