☣️ UN 3182 • CLASS 4
Metal hydrides, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. 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 3182
Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG: Guide 170 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 170: Initial isolation 50m all directions. Protect from water sources. If fire involves cargo, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Metal hydrides NOSFlammable metal hydridesHydrides of metalsAlkali metal hydridesAlkaline earth metal hydrides |
| Appearance | Typically gray to white crystalline or powdered solids. May be shipped in flammable liquids as suspensions. Odorless in pure form. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric/water-reactive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently or explosively with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Keep dry at all times. |
| Extinguishing | Dry sand, dry chemical powder, soda ash. Do NOT use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents. |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA. Chemical-resistant suit for large spills. Avoid any moisture contact with material. |
| Isolation | ERG 170: Initial isolation 50m all directions. Protect from water sources. If fire involves cargo, isolate 800m and consider evacuation. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- May react violently or explosively on contact with water.
- Some are transported in flammable liquids.
- May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
- Some of these materials will burn with intense heat.
- Dusts or fumes may form explosive mixtures in air.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 50 meters (160 feet).
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UN 3182 — Metal hydrides, flammable, n.o.s. HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3182
Product: Metal hydrides, flammable, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 170
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Chemical-resistant suit for large spills. Avoid any moisture contact with material.
ISOLATION: ERG 170: Initial isolation 50m all directions. Protect from water sources. If fire involves cargo, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
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 3182 — Metal hydrides, flammable, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 170
Appearance: Typically gray to white crystalline or powdered solids. May be shipped in flammable liquids as suspensions. Odorless in pure form.
Water Reactivity: Reacts violently or explosively with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Keep dry at all times.
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical powder, soda ash. Do NOT use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents.
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Chemical-resistant suit for large spills. Avoid any moisture contact with material.
Isolation: ERG 170: Initial isolation 50m all directions. Protect from water sources. If fire involves cargo, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
— Key Hazards —
• May react violently or explosively on contact with water.
• Some are transported in flammable liquids.
• May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
— 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3182 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3182 Metal hydrides, flammable, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG170 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3182SMS / 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/3182
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FAQ
May react violently or explosively on contact with water. Some are transported in flammable liquids. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some of these materials will burn with intense heat. Dusts or fumes may form explosive mixtures in air. Containers may explode when heated. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard.
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 with SCBA. Chemical-resistant suit for large spills. Avoid any moisture contact with material.
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 170 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.