☣️ UN 2803 • CLASS 8
UN 2803 — Gallium
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 172. 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 2803 Quick Details
UN 2803
Product name: Gallium
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 172 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Common Hazards of UN 2803
- Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Gallium metalElemental galliumGaGallium element |
| CAS Number | 7440-55-3 |
| Appearance | Silvery-white or bluish-white metal that is solid at room temperature but melts near room temperature (29.8°C). May appear as a liquid in warm conditions. No characteristic odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible metal) |
| Boiling Point | 2204°C (3999°F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (low vapor pressure metal) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water, especially hot water, producing hydrogen gas and corrosive gallium hydroxide |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2803
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, soda ash, lime; avoid water contact
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; chemical-resistant gloves and apron required; eye protection mandatory; SCBA if heated or vapors present
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 172).
First Actions for a UN 2803 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2803 — GalliumHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2803
Product: Gallium
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 172
PPE: Level B minimum; chemical-resistant gloves and apron required; eye protection mandatory; SCBA if heated or vapors present
ISOLATION: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
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 2803 — Gallium
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 172
Appearance: Silvery-white or bluish-white metal that is solid at room temperature but melts near room temperature (29.8°C). May appear as a liquid in warm conditions. No characteristic odor.
Water Reactivity: Reacts slowly with water, especially hot water, producing hydrogen gas and corrosive gallium hydroxide
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime; avoid water contact
PPE: Level B minimum; chemical-resistant gloves and apron required; eye protection mandatory; SCBA if heated or vapors present
Isolation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects.
• Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
• Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2803 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2803 Gallium Cls8 ERG172 | ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car inv | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2803SMS / 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/2803
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2803
Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive Runoff may pollute waterways.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level B minimum; chemical-resistant gloves and apron required; eye protection mandatory; SCBA if heated or vapors present
Water reactivity: Reacts slowly with water, especially hot water, producing hydrogen gas and corrosive gallium hydroxide. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime; avoid water contact.
ERG Guide 172 recommendation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 172 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.