☣️ UN 2728 • CLASS 5
UN 2728 — Zirconium nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
Zirconium nitrate is an acidic oxidizer; it can intensify fire and form corrosive or irritating decomposition products.
Hazard overview: Zirconium nitrate should be treated as an oxidizing solid. It can make ordinary combustibles burn faster and may decompose violently if heated or contaminated.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove combustibles and keep contaminated runoff out of drains. Use water spray from a safe distance to cool containers; choose extinguishing agents based on the surrounding fire and SDS.
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UN 2728 Quick Details
UN 2728
Product name: Zirconium nitrate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions.
Common Hazards of UN 2728
- Zirconium nitrate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
- Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
- Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated in a fire.
- Dust, solution or decomposition fumes may irritate or injure the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating metal oxide and nitrogen/chlorine oxide fumes.
- Runoff can spread oxidizer contamination and increase fire or environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or hygroscopic powder. Odorless. Highly soluble in water and deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air)
| Also known as | Zirconium(IV) nitrateNitric acid zirconium saltZirconium tetranitrateZirconyl nitrate |
| CAS Number | 13746-89-9 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or hygroscopic powder. Odorless. Highly soluble in water and deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling at approximately 100C (212F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water, generating heat. No violent reaction but solution is acidic and oxidizing. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2728
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, or water spray. Avoid organic materials. Substance itself is an oxidizer that will intensify fires.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum for spills; Level A if fire involved. Full face SCBA required. Chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory due to oxidizing and corrosive properties.
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 2728 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use the ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, PPE and tactical decisions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2728 — Zirconium nitrateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2728
Product: Zirconium nitrate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum for spills; Level A if fire involved. Full face SCBA required. Chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory due to oxidizing and corrosive properties.
ISOLATION: ERG 140: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions.
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2728 — Zirconium nitrate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to slightly yellow crystalline solid or hygroscopic powder. Odorless. Highly soluble in water and deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air).
Water Reactivity: Dissolves readily in water, generating heat. No violent reaction but solution is acidic and oxidizing.
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or water spray. Avoid organic materials. Substance itself is an oxidizer that will intensify fires.
PPE: Level B minimum for spills; Level A if fire involved. Full face SCBA required. Chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory due to oxidizing and corrosive properties.
Isolation: ERG 140: Isolate spill area immediate 50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions.
— Key Hazards —
• Zirconium nitrate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
• Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
• Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
— First Actions —
• Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
• Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
• Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/zirconium-nitrate-un-2728 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2728 Zirconium nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/zirconium-nitrate-un-2728SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/zirconium-nitrate-un-2728
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2728
UN 2728 is Zirconium nitrate, regulated as an oxidizing hazardous material for transport and emergency response.
The main concern is an oxidizing hazardous material behavior plus exposure risk from dust, vapor, liquid or fire products.
Approach from upwind, isolate the area, keep nonessential people out and verify the exact product with shipping papers or SDS.
Water can dissolve the material and carry oxidizer contamination. Use controlled water spray for cooling and runoff control rather than washing material into drains.
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
It can intensify nearby fires and release toxic or irritating decomposition fumes.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.