☣️ UN 1396 • CLASS 4
UN 1396 — Aluminum powder, uncoated
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 138. 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 1396 Quick Details
UN 1396
Product name: Aluminum powder, uncoated
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG Guide: 138 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m.
Common Hazards of UN 1396
- Produce flammable 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.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Aluminium powderAluminum metal powderMetallic aluminum powderAl powder |
| CAS Number | 7429-90-5 |
| Appearance | Fine gray to silver metallic powder, odorless. Combustible solid that may spontaneously ignite when wet or in contact with moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (ignites spontaneously when wet or exposed to moisture) |
| Boiling Point | 2467C (4473F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid metal powder) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water to produce flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously. DO NOT use water. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1396
Extinguishing Media
Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry graphite only. NO water, foam, or CO2.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing. Avoid moisture exposure. Use in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 138).
First Actions for a UN 1396 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.
- 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
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1396 — Aluminum powder, uncoatedHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1396
Product: Aluminum powder, uncoated
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 138
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing. Avoid moisture exposure. Use in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
ISOLATION: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m.
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 1396 — Aluminum powder, uncoated
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 138
Appearance: Fine gray to silver metallic powder, odorless. Combustible solid that may spontaneously ignite when wet or in contact with moist air.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with water to produce flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously. DO NOT use water.
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry graphite only. NO water, foam, or CO2.
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing. Avoid moisture exposure. Use in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m.
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable 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/1396 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1396 Aluminum powder, uncoated Cls4 ERG138 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1396SMS / 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/1396
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1396
Produce flammable 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. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
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 B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing. Avoid moisture exposure. Use in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
Water reactivity: Reacts with water to produce flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously. DO NOT use water.. Recommended extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry graphite only. NO water, foam, or CO2..
ERG Guide 138 recommendation: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m.
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 138 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.