☣️ UN 1338 • CLASS 4
UN 1338 — Phosphorus, amorphous
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. 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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UN 1338 Quick Details
UN 1338
Product name: Phosphorus, amorphous
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 133 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 133: isolate 50m all directions; for large fire evacuate 800m radius
Common Hazards of UN 1338
- 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 | 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 |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1338
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, dry earth; do not use water on burning material
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum; SCBA for fire or enclosed spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 133: isolate 50m all directions; for large fire evacuate 800m radius
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 133).
First Actions for a UN 1338 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).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1338 — Phosphorus, amorphousHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1338
Product: Phosphorus, amorphous
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 133
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
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 1338 — Phosphorus, amorphous
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 133
Appearance: Reddish-brown to violet powder or crystalline solid with no distinct odor. Non-volatile at room temperature and less reactive than white phosphorus.
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
— 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/1338 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1338 Phosphorus, amorphous Cls4 ERG133 | ERG 133: isolate 50m all directions; for large fire evacuate 800m radius | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1338SMS / 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/1338
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1338
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
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water; insoluble. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, dry earth; do not use water on burning material.
ERG Guide 133 recommendation: ERG 133: isolate 50m all directions; for large fire evacuate 800m radius
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.