☣️ UN 1380 • CLASS 4
UN 1380 — Pentaborane
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. 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 1380 Quick Details
UN 1380
Product name: Pentaborane
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 135 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; large spill isolate 800m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 1380
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Pentaborane(9)Pentaboron nonahydrideB5H9Stable pentaborane |
| CAS Number | 19624-22-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly reactive and pyrophoric, may ignite spontaneously in moist air at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -30C (-22F) |
| Boiling Point | 60C (140F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water releasing flammable hydrogen gas and forming boric acid; avoid water contact |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1380
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand; do not use water or foam
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required; SCBA with full face piece; chemical-resistant suit; pyrophoric hazard requires extreme caution
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 135: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; large spill isolate 800m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 135).
First Actions for a UN 1380 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1380 — PentaboraneHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1380
Product: Pentaborane
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 135
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full face piece; chemical-resistant suit; pyrophoric hazard requires extreme caution
ISOLATION: ERG 135: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; large spill isolate 800m downwind
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 1380 — Pentaborane
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 135
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Highly reactive and pyrophoric, may ignite spontaneously in moist air at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Reacts slowly with water releasing flammable hydrogen gas and forming boric acid; avoid water contact
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand; do not use water or foam
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full face piece; chemical-resistant suit; pyrophoric hazard requires extreme caution
Isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; large spill isolate 800m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
• May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1380 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1380 Pentaborane Cls4 ERG135 | ERG 135: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directi | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1380SMS / 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/1380
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1380
Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level A required; SCBA with full face piece; chemical-resistant suit; pyrophoric hazard requires extreme caution
Water reactivity: Reacts slowly with water releasing flammable hydrogen gas and forming boric acid; avoid water contact. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand; do not use water or foam.
ERG Guide 135 recommendation: ERG 135: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; large spill isolate 800m downwind
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 135 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.