☣️ UN 1945 • CLASS 4

UN 1945 — Matches, wax “vesta”

Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. 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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UN 1945 Quick Details

UN 1945
Product name: Matches, wax “vesta”
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 133 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 133: Small spills isolate 25m (80ft) all directions; large spills isolate 50m (160ft) and consider evacuation 300m (1000ft) downwind if fire develops

Common Hazards of UN 1945

  • Flammable/combustible material.
  • May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
  • Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
  • Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence.
  • Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point.
  • May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
  • Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
  • Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Also known asWax vestasWax-coated matchesVesta matchesSafety matches wax-coated
AppearanceSmall wooden sticks coated with paraffin wax and tipped with combustible match head material. Typically tan or brown in color with distinctive sulfur or chemical odor from match heads.
Flash PointNot applicable (ignites by friction at approximately 180-200°C/356-392°F)
Boiling PointNot applicable (solid combustible material)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water, but wetting reduces ignitability
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1945

Extinguishing Media

Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO2, sand, or earth to extinguish

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited thermal protection; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recommended in enclosed spaces or large fires

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 133: Small spills isolate 25m (80ft) all directions; large spills isolate 50m (160ft) and consider evacuation 300m (1000ft) downwind if fire develops
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 133).

First Actions for a UN 1945 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.
  • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1945 — Matches, wax “vesta”
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1945 Product: Matches, wax “vesta” Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 133 PPE: Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited thermal protection; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recommended in enclosed spaces or large fires ISOLATION: ERG 133: Small spills isolate 25m (80ft) all directions; large spills isolate 50m (160ft) and consider evacuation 300m (1000ft) downwind if fire develops ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1945 — Matches, wax “vesta” Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 133 Appearance: Small wooden sticks coated with paraffin wax and tipped with combustible match head material. Typically tan or brown in color with distinctive sulfur or chemical odor from match heads. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but wetting reduces ignitability Extinguishing: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO2, sand, or earth to extinguish PPE: Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited thermal protection; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recommended in enclosed spaces or large fires Isolation: ERG 133: Small spills isolate 25m (80ft) all directions; large spills isolate 50m (160ft) and consider evacuation 300m (1000ft) downwind if fire develops — Key Hazards — • Flammable/combustible material. • May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. • Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. — 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. • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1945 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN1945 Matches, wax “vesta” Cls4 ERG133 | ERG 133: Small spills isolate 25m (80ft) all directions; large spills isolate 50 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1945SMS / 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/1945

Related UN Numbers in Class 4

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1945

Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence. Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.

CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited thermal protection; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recommended in enclosed spaces or large fires

Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but wetting reduces ignitability. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO2, sand, or earth to extinguish.

ERG Guide 133 recommendation: ERG 133: Small spills isolate 25m (80ft) all directions; large spills isolate 50m (160ft) and consider evacuation 300m (1000ft) downwind if fire develops

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 133 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.