☣️ UN 3189 • CLASS 4
UN 3189 — Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s.
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. 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 3189 Quick Details
UN 3189
Product name: Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 135 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/cargo involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider evacuation 800m
Common Hazards of UN 3189
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | self-heating metal powderpyrophoric metal powderreactive metal powdercombustible metal fines |
| Appearance | Fine metallic powder, color varies by metal type (gray, silver, black). Odorless. Solid particulate at room temperature that may spontaneously heat when exposed to air or moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-heating solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by metal composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid powder) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with moisture producing heat and flammable gases; avoid water contact |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3189
Extinguishing Media
Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry dolomite; DO NOT use water or foam
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with full face respirator; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; fire-resistant clothing
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 135: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/cargo involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider evacuation 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 135).
First Actions for a UN 3189 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3189 — Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3189
Product: Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 135
PPE: Level B minimum with full face respirator; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; fire-resistant clothing
ISOLATION: ERG 135: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/cargo involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider evacuation 800m
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 3189 — Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 135
Appearance: Fine metallic powder, color varies by metal type (gray, silver, black). Odorless. Solid particulate at room temperature that may spontaneously heat when exposed to air or moisture.
Water Reactivity: May react with moisture producing heat and flammable gases; avoid water contact
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry dolomite; DO NOT use water or foam
PPE: Level B minimum with full face respirator; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; fire-resistant clothing
Isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/cargo involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider evacuation 800m
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
• May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— 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/3189 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3189 Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG135 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3189SMS / 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/3189
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3189
Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
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 full face respirator; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; fire-resistant clothing
Water reactivity: May react with moisture producing heat and flammable gases; avoid water contact. Recommended extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry dolomite; DO NOT use water or foam.
ERG Guide 135 recommendation: ERG 135: isolate spill 25m all directions; if tank/cargo involved in fire isolate 800m all directions, consider evacuation 800m
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 135 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.