UN 2793 — Ferrous metal borings, shavings, turnings or cuttings
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Ferrous metal borings, shavings, turnings or cuttings are reactive metal scrap forms that can self-heat, ignite or release hydrogen depending on contamination and moisture.
Hazard overview: Ferrous borings, shavings, turnings or cuttings can self-heat when contaminated with oil or moisture. Fine metal particles may ignite from friction, sparks, heat or static discharge. Contact with water may generate heat and flammable hydrogen under some conditions.
Response guidance: Isolate the pile or container, remove ignition sources and avoid disturbing hot material. Use dry sand or Class D-compatible media when water reactivity is suspected; monitor for re-ignition.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to identify the UN number, product name, placard, container type and exposure route before committing personnel to the hot zone.
Regulatory context: Use the proper DOT shipping description, ERG guide, SDS and site-specific response plan; do not substitute this summary for regulatory compliance.
Storage & handling: Keep dry, cool and separated from oxidizers, acids, ignition sources and incompatible scrap; prevent oil-soaked piles from self-heating.
UN 2793 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2793
- Ferrous borings, shavings, turnings or cuttings can self-heat when contaminated with oil or moisture.
- Fine metal particles may ignite from friction, sparks, heat or static discharge.
- Contact with water may generate heat and flammable hydrogen under some conditions.
- Piles or drums can retain heat and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Material transported in flammable liquid can add vapor and flashback hazards.
- Fire may produce dense smoke and metal oxide fumes.
- Runoff or water application may spread burning or reactive fines.
- Container drums may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Gray to dark gray metallic solid particles, shavings, or filings. Odorless. Fine particles may be pyrophoric when dry or in presence of oil/cutting fluids.
| Also known as | iron boringssteel shavingsferrous turningsmetal cuttingsiron filingssteel borings |
| Appearance | Gray to dark gray metallic solid particles, shavings, or filings. Odorless. Fine particles may be pyrophoric when dry or in presence of oil/cutting fluids. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid metal particles) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid metal, decomposes/oxidizes before melting point) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water or moisture in some conditions, producing heat and hydrogen; keep dry unless specialist guidance approves water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2793
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level C minimum for handling. SCBA and structural firefighters' protective clothing for fires. Avoid friction or impact that may cause ignition.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2793 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an initial isolation perimeter.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages, leaking containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Eliminate ignition sources; stop traffic, engines, smoking and open flames if it can be done safely.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when responders are trained, equipped and monitoring conditions.
- Use ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set final isolation, evacuation and decon actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2793 — Ferrous metal borings, shavings, turningUse 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.