☣️ UN 1331 • CLASS 4
UN 1331 — Matches, “strike anywhere”
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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.
Advertisement
UN 1331 Quick Details
UN 1331
Product name: Matches, “strike anywhere”
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 133 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 133: isolate spill/leak area 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 1331
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
- Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence.
- Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Strike anywhere matchesFriction matchesSelf-igniting matchesPhosphorus matches |
| Appearance | Small wooden or cardboard sticks with red or white phosphorus-containing heads that can ignite by friction on any rough surface. Typically packed in boxes or containers. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (ignites by friction) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid combustible) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with moisture if phosphorus sesquisulfide present; generally minimal reactivity |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1331
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, sand; foam generally effective
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level D typically sufficient for small quantities; respiratory protection if large fire with smoke
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 133: isolate spill/leak area 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 133).
First Actions for a UN 1331 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1331 — Matches, “strike anywhere”HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1331
Product: Matches, “strike anywhere”
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 133
PPE: Level D typically sufficient for small quantities; respiratory protection if large fire with smoke
ISOLATION: ERG 133: isolate spill/leak area 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m 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 1331 — Matches, “strike anywhere”
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 133
Appearance: Small wooden or cardboard sticks with red or white phosphorus-containing heads that can ignite by friction on any rough surface. Typically packed in boxes or containers.
Water Reactivity: May react with moisture if phosphorus sesquisulfide present; generally minimal reactivity
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, sand; foam generally effective
PPE: Level D typically sufficient for small quantities; respiratory protection if large fire with smoke
Isolation: ERG 133: isolate spill/leak area 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
• Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1331 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1331 Matches, “strike anywhere” Cls4 ERG133 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1331SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1331
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1331
Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence. Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level D typically sufficient for small quantities; respiratory protection if large fire with smoke
Water reactivity: May react with moisture if phosphorus sesquisulfide present; generally minimal reactivity. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, sand; foam generally effective.
ERG Guide 133 recommendation: ERG 133: isolate spill/leak area 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 133 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
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.