☣️ UN 1323 • CLASS 4
UN 1323 — Ferrocerium
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 170. 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.
Ferrocerium is a silvery-gray to dark gray metallic solid or powder that produces bright white sparks when struck or abraded. It is highly reactive and requires proper handling and emergency response.
Hazard overview: Ferrocerium may react violently or explosively on contact with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Some ferrocerium is transported in flammable liquids, increasing the risk of ignition.
Response guidance: In the event of a ferrocerium spill, isolate the area at least 25 meters in all directions and keep unnecessary people away. For large fires, isolate an 800-meter radius and consider evacuation.
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UN 1323 Quick Details
UN 1323
Product name: Ferrocerium
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 170 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 170: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters (80 feet) in all directions. Keep unnecessary people away. For large fires, isolate 800 meters (0.5 miles) radius and consider evacuation.
Common Hazards of UN 1323
- 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
Ferrocerium is a silvery-gray to dark gray metallic solid or powder that may appear as small fragments or rods. It is odorless.
| Also known as | Ferrocerium alloyFlint metalLighter flintMischmetalPyrophoric alloy |
| CAS Number | 12024-20-3 |
| Appearance | Silvery-gray to dark gray metallic solid or powder. May appear as small fragments or rods. Odorless. Produces bright white sparks when struck or abraded. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid, ignites spontaneously when exposed to air or friction) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at high temperature) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously. DO NOT USE WATER. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1323
Extinguishing Media
Dry sand, dry salt (NaCl), dry graphite powder, or soda ash. NO water-based agents, NO foam, NO CO2.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with full face SCBA required. Chemical-resistant gloves and boots. Avoid friction or impact during handling.
Level B minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) with full face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required for handling ferrocerium. Chemical-resistant gloves and boots are also necessary.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 170: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters (80 feet) in all directions. Keep unnecessary people away. For large fires, isolate 800 meters (0.5 miles) radius and consider evacuation.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 170).
First Actions for a UN 1323 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).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1323 — FerroceriumHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1323
Product: Ferrocerium
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 170
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA required. Chemical-resistant gloves and boots. Avoid friction or impact during handling.
ISOLATION: ERG 170: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters (80 feet) in all directions. Keep unnecessary people away. For large fires, isolate 800 meters (0.5 miles) radius and consider evacuation.
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 1323 — Ferrocerium
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 170
Appearance: Silvery-gray to dark gray metallic solid or powder. May appear as small fragments or rods. Odorless. Produces bright white sparks when struck or abraded.
Water Reactivity: Reacts violently with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. May ignite spontaneously. DO NOT USE WATER.
Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry salt (NaCl), dry graphite powder, or soda ash. NO water-based agents, NO foam, NO CO2.
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA required. Chemical-resistant gloves and boots. Avoid friction or impact during handling.
Isolation: ERG 170: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters (80 feet) in all directions. Keep unnecessary people away. For large fires, isolate 800 meters (0.5 miles) radius and consider evacuation.
— Key Hazards —
• May react violently or explosively on contact with water.
• Some are transported in flammable liquids.
• May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
— First Actions —
• 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).
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1323 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1323 Ferrocerium Cls4 ERG170 | ERG 170: Isolate spill area at least 25 meters (80 feet) in all directions. Keep | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1323SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/ferrocerium-un-1323
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1323
Yes, ferrocerium is a Class 4 Flammable Solid.
Ferrocerium reacts violently or explosively with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat.
Level B minimum PPE with full face SCBA is required for handling ferrocerium.
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.