UN 2008 — Zirconium powder, dry
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2008 is Zirconium powder, dry, a Class 4 zirconium metal entry assigned to ERG Guide 135. Fine or thin forms can ignite and may react with moisture to release hydrogen.
Hazard overview: SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE zirconium metal form; fine dust or thin material may ignite in air or moisture. May react with water or moisture to generate heat and flammable hydrogen gas. Metal fire may burn intensely and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
Response guidance: For a UN 2008 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 135. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff or dust spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2008 should emphasize moisture exclusion, dry-agent/Class D tactics where appropriate, hydrogen or ammonia gas generation, re-ignition and dust control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Zirconium powder, dry is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Zirconium powder, dry 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 and prevent dust generation.
UN 2008 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2008
- SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE zirconium metal form; fine dust or thin material may ignite in air or moisture.
- May react with water or moisture to generate heat and flammable hydrogen gas.
- Metal fire may burn intensely and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water, foam, CO2 or halogenated agents may worsen fire depending on form and contamination.
- Dust generation greatly increases ignition and inhalation hazards.
- Fire may produce irritating metal oxide smoke.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Gray to black metallic powder. Odorless. Stable when dry, but pyrophoric when finely divided and exposed to moisture or air.
| Also known as | Zirconium metal powderZr powderZirconium dustMetallic zirconium powder |
| CAS Number | 7440-67-7 |
| Appearance | Gray to black metallic powder. Odorless. Stable when dry, but pyrophoric when finely divided and exposed to moisture or air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | 4409C (7968F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture to generate heat and hydrogen gas; finely divided powder may ignite spontaneously in moist air |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2008
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for smoke, dust or fire exposure. Wear fire-resistant and chemical-resistant protection selected from SDS; avoid moisture contamination and dust generation.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2008 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 dust, vapor, fumes, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water, foam and moisture away from the material unless incident command confirms a compatible control use.
- Do not touch damaged containers or 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, water reaction, vapor generation, dust spread or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 135, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2008 — Zirconium powder, dryUse 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.