UN 3089 — Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3089 is Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s., a broad flammable metal powder entry assigned to ERG Guide 170. Exact metal controls extinguishing media.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE metal powder, n.o.s.; dust can ignite from heat, sparks, friction or static discharge. Metal dust clouds may explode in air. Water, foam, CO2 or halogenated agents may react with some metal powders or spread burning material.
Response guidance: For UN 3089, isolate the area, avoid dust/friction and use SCBA. Use Class D or dry media only unless SDS confirms another agent, and watch for re-ignition.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3089 should emphasize product verification, incompatible media, dust control, SCBA use, runoff containment and escalation criteria. Use ERG 170, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. should be stored dry in tightly closed compatible containers away from heat, sparks, friction, moisture, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Keep compatible dry media available.
UN 3089 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3089
- FLAMMABLE metal powder, n.o.s.; dust can ignite from heat, sparks, friction or static discharge.
- Metal dust clouds may explode in air.
- Water, foam, CO2 or halogenated agents may react with some metal powders or spread burning material.
- Burning metal can produce intense heat and may re-ignite after disturbance.
- Fire may produce metal oxide fumes and irritating smoke.
- Runoff may spread reactive powder contamination.
- Exact metal powder must be verified before choosing extinguishing media.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fine metallic powder, color varies by metal type (gray, silver, black). Odorless. Solid particulate at room temperature that may be transported in flammable liquid carrier.
| Also known as | Metal powder n.o.s.Flammable metal powderPyrophoric metal powderPowdered metal |
| Appearance | Fine metallic powder, color varies by metal type (gray, silver, black). Odorless. Solid particulate at room temperature that may be transported in flammable liquid carrier. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid powder, may ignite from friction/sparks) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (metal solid, decomposes or sublimes at extreme temperatures) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid particulate) |
| Water Reactivity | May react violently or explosively on contact with water, producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3089
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust or smoke. Wear flame/heat-resistant and chemical-resistant protection; avoid dust and incompatible media.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3089 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid dust, friction, sparks and incompatible extinguishing media.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 170, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3089 — Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s.Use 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.