UN 1327 — Bhusa, wet, damp or contaminated with oil
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1327 is Bhusa, wet, damp or contaminated with oil, a Class 4 spontaneously combustible material assigned to ERG Guide 133. It can self-heat when damp, oily, contaminated or stored in bulk, sometimes smoldering before visible flames appear.
Hazard overview: UN 1327 presents self-heating, smoldering fire and re-ignition hazards. Disturbing hot material can introduce oxygen and intensify burning, while smoke may contain carbon monoxide and irritating combustion products.
Response guidance: For a UN 1327 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors, dust or runoff out of drains where relevant, and use compatible fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1327 should emphasize self-heating, smoldering piles, oxygen exposure during overhaul, thermal monitoring and re-ignition. Common errors include opening hot piles too aggressively and ending operations before deep-seated heat is controlled.
Regulatory context: Bhusa, wet, damp or contaminated with oil is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Bhusa, wet, damp or contaminated with oil should be stored to prevent self-heating, moisture/oil contamination, compacted hot spots and ignition exposure. Keep piles or packages ventilated where appropriate and inspect for heat, odor or smoke according to facility procedures.
UN 1327 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1327
- May self-heat and spontaneously ignite when damp, oily, contaminated or confined.
- Bulk piles, bales or sacks may retain heat and smolder internally before open flame is visible.
- Disturbing the material may introduce oxygen and intensify smoldering or flame spread.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke including carbon monoxide.
- Runoff from fire control may carry organic contamination.
- Large quantities may require prolonged overhaul and thermal monitoring.
- Containers or piles may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Light tan to brown fibrous organic material with a hay-like or musty odor. Appears as damp, oily agricultural waste or cereal residue.
| Also known as | Bran hayStraw dustAgricultural wasteCereal straw residueWet hay dust |
| Appearance | Light tan to brown fibrous organic material with a hay-like or musty odor. Appears as damp, oily agricultural waste or cereal residue. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-heating solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (organic solid material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Water may increase self-heating if material is already warm; use carefully |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1327
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for smoke, smoldering material or confined-space operations. Wear protective clothing and gloves appropriate for hot organic material, contaminated runoff and extended overhaul conditions.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1327 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Check for heat, smoke, odor or smoldering before disturbing piles, bales or containers.
- Avoid breaking apart hot material unless incident command has a controlled plan for exposure, extinguishment and overhaul.
- Isolate the area and remove ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Use thermal imaging, monitoring and extended overhaul where available.
- Use ERG Guide 133, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1327 — Bhusa, wet, damp or contaminated with oiUse 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.