☣️ UN 1397 • CLASS 4
Aluminum phosphide
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 1397
Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG: Guide 139 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or water contact, evacuate 800m downwind due to toxic phosphine gas
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | PhostoxinAlPAluminum monophosphideCelphosFumitoxin |
| CAS Number | 20859-73-8 |
| Appearance | Dark gray or dark yellow crystalline solid with a faint garlic-like or acetylene odor when exposed to moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (reacts with water to produce flammable phosphine gas) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid; produces phosphine gas with vapor density 1.2) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water and moisture to produce highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas (PH3); keep absolutely dry |
| Extinguishing | Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash; NO WATER or foam in any form |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A recommended; SCBA mandatory; full encapsulation if phosphine gas present; avoid all moisture contact |
| Isolation | ERG 139: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or water contact, evacuate 800m downwind due to toxic phosphine gas |
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 1397 — Aluminum phosphide HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1397
Product: Aluminum phosphide
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 139
PPE: Level A recommended; SCBA mandatory; full encapsulation if phosphine gas present; avoid all moisture contact
ISOLATION: ERG 139: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or water contact, evacuate 800m downwind due to toxic phosphine gas
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 1397 — Aluminum phosphide
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: Dark gray or dark yellow crystalline solid with a faint garlic-like or acetylene odor when exposed to moist air.
Water Reactivity: Reacts violently with water and moisture to produce highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas (PH3); keep absolutely dry
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash; NO WATER or foam in any form
PPE: Level A recommended; SCBA mandatory; full encapsulation if phosphine gas present; avoid all moisture contact
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or water contact, evacuate 800m downwind due to toxic phosphine gas
— 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/1397 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1397 Aluminum phosphide Cls4 ERG139 | ERG 139: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or water contact, evacuate | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1397SMS / 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/1397
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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 recommended; SCBA mandatory; full encapsulation if phosphine gas present; avoid all moisture contact
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.