☣️ UN 3178 • CLASS 4
UN 3178 — Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. 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 3178 Quick Details
UN 3178
Product name: Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 133 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 133: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 3178
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
- Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence.
- Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Flammable solid inorganic NOSFlammable inorganic solid not otherwise specifiedUN3178 |
| Appearance | Variable solid materials that are inorganic in nature; appearance depends on specific substance but typically powders, granules, or solid masses that can ignite from friction, heat, or sparks. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by specific substance) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Variable - depends on specific inorganic substance; some may react, others stable |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3178
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, dry earth; avoid water if substance is water-reactive
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing; face shield
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 133: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 133).
First Actions for a UN 3178 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3178 — Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3178
Product: Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 133
PPE: Level C minimum with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing; face shield
ISOLATION: ERG 133: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m 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 3178 — Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 133
Appearance: Variable solid materials that are inorganic in nature; appearance depends on specific substance but typically powders, granules, or solid masses that can ignite from friction, heat, or sparks.
Water Reactivity: Variable - depends on specific inorganic substance; some may react, others stable
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, dry earth; avoid water if substance is water-reactive
PPE: Level C minimum with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing; face shield
Isolation: ERG 133: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
• Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— 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.
• Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3178 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3178 Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG133 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3178SMS / 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/3178
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3178
Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence. Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
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 C minimum with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing; face shield
Water reactivity: Variable - depends on specific inorganic substance; some may react, others stable. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, dry earth; avoid water if substance is water-reactive.
ERG Guide 133 recommendation: ERG 133: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 133 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.