☣️ UN 1869 • CLASS 4
Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons
Placard: Flammable Solid. 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 1869
Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG: Guide 138 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If material on fire or involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 800 meters.
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Magnesium alloy pelletsMagnesium turningsMagnesium ribbonMagnesium alloy shavingsMagnesium filings |
| Appearance | Silvery-white to gray metallic pellets, turnings, or ribbon forms. Odorless solid with bright metallic luster when freshly cut; may develop dull gray oxide coating on surface. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (metal; decomposes/burns in air) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid metal) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat; may ignite spontaneously. Fine particles or turnings react vigorously or explosively with water or moisture. |
| Extinguishing | Dry sand, dry chemical (Class D), dry graphite powder. DO NOT use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents. |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; fire-resistant clothing required. Avoid moisture exposure. Eye protection and fire-resistant gloves essential when handling. |
| Isolation | ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If material on fire or involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 800 meters. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- 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
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
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 1869 — Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% mag HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1869
Product: Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 138
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; fire-resistant clothing required. Avoid moisture exposure. Eye protection and fire-resistant gloves essential when handling.
ISOLATION: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If material on fire or involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 800 meters.
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 1869 — Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 138
Appearance: Silvery-white to gray metallic pellets, turnings, or ribbon forms. Odorless solid with bright metallic luster when freshly cut; may develop dull gray oxide coating on surface.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat; may ignite spontaneously. Fine particles or turnings react vigorously or explosively with water or moisture.
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical (Class D), dry graphite powder. DO NOT use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents.
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; fire-resistant clothing required. Avoid moisture exposure. Eye protection and fire-resistant gloves essential when handling.
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions. If material on fire or involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 800 meters.
— 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/1869 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1869 Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons Cls4 ERG138 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1869SMS / 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/1869
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FAQ
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; fire-resistant clothing required. Avoid moisture exposure. Eye protection and fire-resistant gloves essential when handling.
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.