UN 3179 — Flammable solid, poisonous, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 134. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3179 At a Glance
UN 3179 (Flammable solid, poisonous, inorganic) is listed as DOT Class 4 Flammable Solid and is assigned to ERG Guide 134. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
Flammable solid, poisonous, inorganic, n.o.s. covers a broad flammable solid hazard. The exact composition controls water compatibility, smoke hazards and cleanup.
Hazard overview: Treat the material as ignitable and potentially reactive until SDS confirms the specific substance and compatible extinguishing media.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove ignition sources, avoid dust or splash spread, and use dry media unless product data allows water or foam.
Firefighter training notes: Use this page as initial reference only; responders should train from ERG, SDS, department SOPs and product-specific preplans.
Regulatory context: UN 3179 is regulated for transport under its proper shipping name, hazard class 4 and ERG Guide 134. Verify current DOT/PHMSA requirements and shipping papers.
Storage & handling: Store only as permitted by the SDS and applicable code: segregate from incompatible materials, protect packages from heat, damage and moisture, and maintain labels.
UN 3179 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3179
- Flammable solid; ignition may occur from heat, sparks, friction or flames.
- Dust, powder or exposed surface area can burn rapidly and may re-ignite.
- Toxic properties add inhalation, ingestion and skin-contact risk during spills or fire.
- Fire may produce irritating, toxic or corrosive smoke depending on the exact material.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Water compatibility varies; some materials may react or spread contamination.
- Runoff from firefighting can carry hazardous residues.
- For n.o.s. entries, the SDS and shipping papers determine final extinguishing media and PPE.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Generic classification covering various inorganic flammable solids with toxic properties. Physical appearance varies by specific substance; typically solid materials that may be powders, granules, or crystalline forms at room temperature.
| Also known as | Toxic flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.Flammable solid, toxic, inorganic, n.o.s.Poisonous flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. |
| Appearance | Generic classification covering various inorganic flammable solids with toxic properties. Physical appearance varies by specific substance; typically solid materials that may be powders, granules, or crystalline forms at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by specific substance; generally low flash point solids that ignite readily from heat, sparks, or flames |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by specific substance) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, though vapors when heated may be heavier than air depending on substance) |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by specific substance; some may react with water producing flammable or toxic gases |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3179
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire conditions and chemical protective clothing when dust, toxic smoke or corrosive contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3179 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or gases may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, smoke or decomposition products.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Control ignition sources and avoid raising dust or spreading absorbed flammable liquid.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and atmospheric monitoring supports entry.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, labels and shipping papers to confirm the exact hazards before action.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3179 — Flammable solid, poisonous, inorganic, nUse 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.