UN 3200 — Pyrophoric solid, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3200 covers pyrophoric inorganic solids that can ignite on exposure to air, moisture or contamination. The exact product must be confirmed before close approach.
Hazard overview: The main hazard is spontaneous ignition, often worsened by moisture. Burning material may re-ignite, produce irritating smoke and react dangerously with water.
Response guidance: Keep the material dry, isolate the release and remove ignition sources. Use dry sand, dry chemical or other listed dry media; do not apply water, foam or CO2 unless product guidance allows it.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to recognize dangerous-when-wet placards, keep product dry, deny entry to low areas, and avoid using hose streams on unknown reactive solids or liquids.
Regulatory context: Class 4 dangerous-when-wet entries require strict moisture control, compatible packaging and product-specific SDS verification during transport and storage.
Storage & handling: Store dry, tightly sealed and away from water, humidity, sprinklers, acids and incompatible extinguishing agents. Keep spill control media dry and dedicated.
UN 3200 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3200
- Pyrophoric inorganic solid may ignite when exposed to air or moisture.
- Dust or small particles can burn rapidly and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water or humid air may generate heat, flammable gas or violent reaction depending on the product.
- Containers can rupture or spread burning material when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating, toxic or corrosive smoke.
- Runoff or wet cleanup can create additional fire or reaction hazards.
- Exact behavior varies by the inorganic pyrophoric material; verify SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Appearance varies by product, but shipments are usually powders, granules or solid pieces that must be protected from air and moisture.
| Also known as | Pyrophoric solidSpontaneously combustible inorganic solidSelf-igniting solid inorganic |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific substance; typically a solid powder or granular material that ignites spontaneously when exposed to air at or below 54°C (130°F). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (spontaneously combustible in air) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid, variable by specific substance) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water or moisture, potentially generating flammable gases or increasing fire intensity |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3200
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA with chemical-resistant protective clothing. Upgrade to Level A or specialist entry when fire, dust, unknown product identity or significant release is present.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3200 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command before close approach.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or gases may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, smoke or decomposition products and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE and monitoring.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Use ERG, SDS, shipping papers and atmospheric/radiation monitoring for final isolation and control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3200 — Pyrophoric solid, inorganic, 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.