UN 1932 — Zirconium scrap
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1932 is Zirconium scrap, a spontaneously combustible metal scrap assigned to ERG Guide 135. Fine turnings or shavings can ignite and water may generate hydrogen gas.
Hazard overview: UN 1932 presents metal fire, moisture reaction, hydrogen generation and re-ignition hazards. Use dry Class D-compatible methods and avoid water or foam unless specialist guidance approves.
Response guidance: For a UN 1932 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 135. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1932 should emphasize dangerous-when-wet behavior, flammable gas generation, dry-agent/Class D selection, re-ignition and ignition control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Zirconium scrap is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Zirconium scrap should be stored dry in compatible sealed containers away from water, moisture, oxidizers, acids where incompatible, ignition sources and unauthorized access. Keep compatible dry extinguishing media available.
UN 1932 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1932
- SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE metal scrap; fine turnings, shavings or dust may ignite in air or moisture.
- May react with water or moisture to generate heat and flammable hydrogen gas.
- Metal fires may burn intensely and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water, foam, CO2 or halogenated agents may worsen the fire depending on form and contamination.
- Fire may produce irritating metal oxide smoke.
- Runoff or water application may create fire, explosion or contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Silvery-gray to black metallic solid in the form of scrap pieces, turnings, or shavings. Odorless.
| Also known as | Zirconium metal scrapZirconium turningsZirconium shavingsZirconium waste |
| CAS Number | 7440-67-7 |
| Appearance | Silvery-gray to black metallic solid in the form of scrap pieces, turnings, or shavings. Odorless. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | 4377C (7911F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture producing hydrogen gas; may ignite spontaneously |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1932
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for smoke, dust, sulfur dioxide/corrosive vapor or fire exposure. Wear chemical-resistant and fire-appropriate protection selected from SDS; avoid moisture contamination.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1932 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water, foam and moisture away from released product unless incident command confirms a compatible control use.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 135, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1932 — Zirconium scrapUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.