UN 1378 — Metal catalyst, wetted
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1378 is Metal catalyst, wetted, a Class 4 flammable metal material assigned to ERG Guide 170. Wetted or dry condition matters because fine metal powder can ignite, burn intensely and re-ignite.
Hazard overview: UN 1378 presents flammable metal, dust and incompatible-extinguishing-agent hazards. Fine particles can burn intensely, and water, foam or CO2 may be unsuitable if the material is dry, burning or reactive.
Response guidance: For a UN 1378 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 170. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid unnecessary disturbance of powder, piles or damaged packaging, and use only extinguishing agents compatible with the specific material.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1378 should emphasize metal/pyrophoric fire behavior, dust cloud prevention, incompatible extinguishing agents, re-ignition, dry-agent application and safe standoff. Common errors include using water or foam on burning metal, disturbing powder and underestimating metal oxide fumes. Use ERG 170, SDS and metal-fire SOP.
Regulatory context: Metal catalyst, wetted 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, 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: Metal catalyst, wetted should be stored in compatible containers away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, moisture where incompatible and physical damage. Prevent dust release, container damage and drying of wetted material where wetting is required by SDS.
UN 1378 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1378
- WETTED pyrophoric metal catalyst; wetting suppresses ignition, but drying can make the catalyst ignite spontaneously.
- Dusts or fine particles may burn rapidly or form explosive mixtures in air.
- Metal fires can burn with intense heat and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water or incompatible agents may react with hot or dry metal powder and generate flammable hydrogen.
- Metal oxide fumes from fire may be hazardous to breathe.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or allowing wetted material to dry unexpectedly.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Gray to black solid metal powder or granules wetted with water or alcohol to suppress pyrophoric properties. May have minimal odor from wetting agent.
| Also known as | Metal catalyst wettedWetted catalystHydrogenation catalystNickel catalyst wettedRaney nickel wetted |
| Appearance | Gray to black solid metal powder or granules wetted with water or alcohol to suppress pyrophoric properties. May have minimal odor from wetting agent. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (wetted solid catalyst) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid metal) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react violently or explosively on contact with water if wetting agent evaporates; pyrophoric when dry |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1378
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, smoke or dust exposure. Protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection should follow SDS and metal-fire SOP; PPE does not protect against violent metal fire, dust explosion or container rupture hazards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1378 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Do not create dust clouds or disturb spilled powder unless properly trained and equipped.
- Keep water, foam, CO2 and halogenated agents away from burning or reactive metal unless incident command confirms compatibility.
- Use dry Class D agents, dry sand or other compatible dry media when directed by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if metal powder is burning, dry or dispersed.
- Use ERG Guide 170, shipping papers, SDS and metal-fire SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1378 — Metal catalyst, wettedUse 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.