☣️ UN 3078 • CLASS 4
Cerium, turnings or gritty powder
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. 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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Quick details
UN 3078
Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG: Guide 138 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill 25m all directions. For large spills isolate 50m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire.
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Cerium metalCerium powderCerium filingsCerium shavings |
| CAS Number | 7440-45-1 |
| Appearance | Silvery-white to gray metallic solid, appearing as turnings, gritty powder, or shavings. Odorless. Pyrophoric in finely divided form. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric metal) |
| Boiling Point | 3443C (6229F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid metal) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously with moist air. Do not use water. |
| Extinguishing | Dry sand, dry powder extinguishers, Class D fire extinguisher. NO water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents. |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing, gloves, face shield. Protect from moisture and humidity. |
| Isolation | ERG 138: Isolate spill 25m all directions. For large spills isolate 50m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 3078 — Cerium, turnings or gritty powder HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3078
Product: Cerium, turnings or gritty powder
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 138
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing, gloves, face shield. Protect from moisture and humidity.
ISOLATION: ERG 138: Isolate spill 25m all directions. For large spills isolate 50m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire.
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 3078 — Cerium, turnings or gritty powder
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 138
Appearance: Silvery-white to gray metallic solid, appearing as turnings, gritty powder, or shavings. Odorless. Pyrophoric in finely divided form.
Water Reactivity: Reacts with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously with moist air. Do not use water.
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry powder extinguishers, Class D fire extinguisher. NO water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents.
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing, gloves, face shield. Protect from moisture and humidity.
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill 25m all directions. For large spills isolate 50m, evacuate 800m downwind if fire.
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— 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.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3078 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3078 Cerium, turnings or gritty powder Cls4 ERG138 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3078SMS / 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/3078
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FAQ
Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing, gloves, face shield. Protect from moisture and humidity.
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 138 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.