UN 1945 — Matches, wax “vesta”
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1945 At a Glance
UN 1945 (Matches, wax “vesta”) is listed as DOT Class 4 Flammable Solid and is assigned to ERG Guide 133. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 1945 is Matches, wax “vesta”, a Class 4 flammable solid assigned to ERG Guide 133. The main concern is ignition by friction, heat or flame, especially in packaged quantities.
Hazard overview: UN 1945 presents flammable solid, friction ignition, rapid package fire and irritating smoke hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1945 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1945 should emphasize pressure/fire hazards, exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, evacuation and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Matches, wax “vesta” is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Requirements for storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Matches, wax “vesta” should be stored in compatible containers in a secure, cool, ventilated hazardous-material area according to SDS and local procedures.
UN 1945 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1945
- FLAMMABLE SOLID; wax vesta matches may ignite by friction, heat, sparks or flame.
- Match heads can burn rapidly and may spread fire through packaged quantities.
- Heat may cause packaged matches to ignite or sustain smoldering fire.
- Fire may produce irritating smoke and combustion gases.
- Damaged or loose matches can create ignition sources during handling.
- Water can reduce ignition potential but runoff may carry residues from packaging or burned material.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Small wooden sticks coated with paraffin wax and tipped with combustible match head material. Typically tan or brown in color with distinctive sulfur or chemical odor from match heads.
| Also known as | Wax vestasWax-coated matchesVesta matchesSafety matches wax-coated |
| Appearance | Small wooden sticks coated with paraffin wax and tipped with combustible match head material. Typically tan or brown in color with distinctive sulfur or chemical odor from match heads. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (ignites by friction at approximately 180-200°C/356-392°F) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid combustible material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but wetting reduces ignitability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1945
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use structural firefighting PPE with SCBA for fire or smoke. For spill handling without fire, gloves and eye protection are normally sufficient unless other contamination is present.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1945 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 gas, vapor, smoke or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, cylinder heating, vapor accumulation, unknown gas identity or downwind exposure.
- Use ERG Guide 133, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1945 — Matches, wax “vesta”Use 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.