UN 1944 — Matches, safety
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1944 is Matches, safety, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 133. Vapors can travel along the ground, flash back and create explosion hazards in drains or confined spaces.
Hazard overview: UN 1944 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 1944 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. 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 1944 should emphasize vapor travel, flashback, sewer explosion, foam selection, container cooling, ignition control and toxic exposure where applicable. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Matches, safety 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: Matches, safety should be stored in approved flammable/toxic-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1944 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1944
- FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists in low areas, drains, 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 smoke.
- Specific toxicity and solvent hazards should be confirmed from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Small wooden or cardboard sticks with a chemically treated tip (typically red phosphorus mixture). The match head ignites only when struck against a specially prepared striking surface containing red phosphorus and ground glass.
| Also known as | Safety matchesStrike-on-box matchesNon-strike-anywhere matchesBook matchesMatchbook matches |
| Appearance | Small wooden or cardboard sticks with a chemically treated tip (typically red phosphorus mixture). The match head ignites only when struck against a specially prepared striking surface containing red phosphorus and ground glass. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (ignites by friction on striking surface) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid combustible item) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; water extinguishes burning matches |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1944
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 1944 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 133, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1944 — Matches, safetyUse 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.