UN 1869 — Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1869 is Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 138. Vapors can travel to ignition sources, flash back and create explosion hazards in low areas or sewers.
Hazard overview: UN 1869 presents flammable vapor, flashback, sewer vapor explosion, container rupture and toxic smoke hazards. Control ignition sources and keep runoff out of drains.
Response guidance: For a UN 1869 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 138. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1869 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, spill containment and ignition control. Use ERG 138, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons 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, concentration, 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: Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magnesium, in pellets, turnings or ribbons should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers or tanks with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1869 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1869
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors, in sewers and confined spaces.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Specific toxicity and solvent hazards should be confirmed from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Silvery-white to gray metallic pellets, turnings, or ribbon forms. Odorless solid with bright metallic luster when freshly cut; may develop dull gray oxide coating on surface.
| Also known as | Magnesium alloy pelletsMagnesium turningsMagnesium ribbonMagnesium alloy shavingsMagnesium filings |
| Appearance | Silvery-white to gray metallic pellets, turnings, or ribbon forms. Odorless solid with bright metallic luster when freshly cut; may develop dull gray oxide coating on surface. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (metal; decomposes/burns in air) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid metal) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat; may ignite spontaneously. Fine particles or turnings react vigorously or explosively with water or moisture. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1869
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1869 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 138, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1869 — Magnesium alloys, with more than 50% magUse 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.