UN 3554 — Gallium contained in manufactured articles
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 172. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3554 is Gallium contained in manufactured articles, assigned to ERG Guide 172. This entry should be verified with shipping papers, labels and the SDS before responders commit to close-range action.
Hazard overview: Gallium contained in manufactured articles has article-specific hazards that depend on the contained material. Damaged articles, heat, pressure, smoke or exposed contents may increase risk.
Response guidance: Use ERG Guide 172, confirm the exact contents, isolate the area, keep unauthorized personnel away, control ignition sources and choose extinguishing agents based on the article or material involved.
UN 3554 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3554
- Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Silvery-white metal, solid at room temperature but melts at approximately 30°C (86°F). Soft enough to cut with a knife. No significant odor.
| Also known as | Elemental galliumMetallic galliumGa metal |
| CAS Number | 7440-55-3 |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metal, solid at room temperature but melts at approximately 30°C (86°F). Soft enough to cut with a knife. No significant odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible metal) |
| Boiling Point | 2204°C (3999°F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (metal with very low vapor pressure at normal temperatures) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water under normal conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3554
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level C minimum for handling manufactured articles. Avoid skin contact with molten gallium; use chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Select final PPE using ERG guidance, SDS, monitoring and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3554 Incident
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3554 — Gallium contained in manufactured articlUse 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.