UN 1392 — Alkaline earth metal amalgam, liquid
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Alkaline earth metal amalgam, liquid is a highly reactive substance that can cause severe burns and ignite spontaneously when exposed to water. It is commonly used in various industrial applications, including the production of catalysts and batteries.
Hazard overview: Alkaline earth metal amalgam, liquid can produce flammable gases when it comes into contact with water, which can lead to explosions and fires. It may also ignite spontaneously when exposed to moist air or water.
Response guidance: In the event of an emergency, responders should wear Level B minimum PPE with SCBA and keep a safe distance from the substance. They should also avoid using water or foam-based agents to extinguish fires, as this can exacerbate the situation.
UN 1392 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1392
- Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Alkaline earth metal amalgam, liquid is typically a silvery-gray liquid metallic amalgam.
| Also known as | Alkaline earth metal amalgamMercury amalgam of alkaline earth metalsBarium amalgamCalcium amalgamStrontium amalgam |
| Appearance | Liquid metallic amalgam, typically silvery-gray in appearance. Amalgams are solutions of metals dissolved in mercury, forming a fluid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (water-reactive material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (mercury-based mixture with variable composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (liquid metal amalgam, non-volatile) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously to violently with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat; may ignite spontaneously on contact with water or moist air |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1392
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders should wear Level B minimum PPE, including chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots, to protect themselves from the substance.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1392 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- 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 300 meters (1000 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1392 — Alkaline earth metal amalgam, liquidUse 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.