☣️ UN 1390 • CLASS 4
Alkali metal amides
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. 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 1390
Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG: Guide 139 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 139: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protective action 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; larger distances if fire involved
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Alkali metal amidesMetal amidesSodium amidePotassium amideLithium amide |
| Appearance | White to gray crystalline solid or powder. Odorless or slight ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (reacts with moisture to form flammable gases) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously to violently with water, producing flammable hydrogen gas and toxic ammonia vapors; may ignite spontaneously |
| Extinguishing | Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash; DO NOT USE WATER or foam-based agents |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A or B required; full encapsulation if contact likely; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant gloves and boots; avoid moisture exposure |
| Isolation | ERG 139: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protective action 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; larger distances if fire involved |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
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.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- 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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UN 1390 — Alkali metal amides HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1390
Product: Alkali metal amides
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 139
PPE: Level A or B required; full encapsulation if contact likely; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant gloves and boots; avoid moisture exposure
ISOLATION: ERG 139: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protective action 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; larger distances if fire involved
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 1390 — Alkali metal amides
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: White to gray crystalline solid or powder. Odorless or slight ammonia-like odor. Hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive.
Water Reactivity: Reacts vigorously to violently with water, producing flammable hydrogen gas and toxic ammonia vapors; may ignite spontaneously
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash; DO NOT USE WATER or foam-based agents
PPE: Level A or B required; full encapsulation if contact likely; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant gloves and boots; avoid moisture exposure
Isolation: ERG 139: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protective action 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; larger distances if fire involved
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— 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.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1390 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1390 Alkali metal amides Cls4 ERG139 | ERG 139: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protective action 300m downwind | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1390SMS / 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/1390
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FAQ
Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
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 A or B required; full encapsulation if contact likely; SCBA mandatory; chemical-resistant gloves and boots; avoid moisture exposure
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 139 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.