UN 1309 — Aluminum powder, coated
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Aluminum powder, coated is a highly reactive substance that can ignite spontaneously in air. It is essential to handle this substance with extreme caution.
Hazard overview: Aluminum powder, coated may react violently or explosively on contact with water, and some are transported in flammable liquids. This substance can also ignite spontaneously in air.
Response guidance: In case of fire, use dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash, or dry dolomite to extinguish. Do not use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents as they can exacerbate the situation.
UN 1309 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1309
- 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Aluminum powder, coated is a gray to silver metallic powder with a protective coating, typically stearic acid or other organic material, and has an odorless or slight fatty odor depending on the coating material.
| Also known as | Coated aluminum powderAluminum metal powderStabilized aluminum powderAluminum dust coated |
| CAS Number | 7429-90-5 |
| Appearance | Gray to silver metallic powder with a protective coating (typically stearic acid or other organic material). Odorless or slight fatty odor depending on coating material. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (combustible metal powder) |
| Boiling Point | 2519C (4566F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid powder) |
| Water Reactivity | Coating minimizes reactivity but may still react with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat, especially if coating is compromised |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1309
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in fire or confined spaces, and avoid creating dust clouds or ignition sources.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1309 Incident
- 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).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1309 — Aluminum powder, coatedUse 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.