☣️ UN 1338 • CLASS 4
Phosphorus, amorphous
Placard: Flammable Solid. 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.
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Quick details
UN 1338
Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG: Guide 133 (check current ERG)
Verify shipping papers and exact product details; use ERG Guide 133 for initial actions and isolation/evacuation guidance.
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Red phosphorusViolet phosphorusHittorf's phosphorusPhosphorus rougeAmorphous red phosphorus |
| CAS Number | 7723-14-0 |
| Appearance | Reddish-brown to violet powder or crystalline solid with no distinct odor. Non-volatile at room temperature and less reactive than white phosphorus. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (ignites by friction/heat ~260C/500F) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sublimes at 416C/781F under vacuum) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, sand, dry earth; do not use water on burning material |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level C minimum; SCBA for fire or enclosed spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing |
| Isolation | ERG 133: isolate 50m all directions; for large fire evacuate 800m radius |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- 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.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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).
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MAYDAY / HAZMAT QUICK NOTE UN 1338 — Phosphorus, amorphous Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid ERG: Guide 133 (check current ERG) FIRST ACTIONS: use SOP/SOG + ERG; stage upwind; isolate; deny entry; request Hazmat.
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FAQ
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 C minimum; SCBA for fire or enclosed spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
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.