☣️ UN 1378 • CLASS 4
UN 1378 — Metal catalyst, wetted
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
Metal catalyst, wetted is a gray to black solid metal powder or granules wetted with water or alcohol to suppress pyrophoric properties. It may have a minimal odor from the wetting agent.
Hazard overview: Metal catalyst, wetted may react violently or explosively on contact with water and is pyrophoric when dry.
Response guidance: In the event of a fire or large spill, use dry chemical, dry sand, or dry limestone to extinguish. Avoid using water or foam on dry material.
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UN 1378 Quick Details
UN 1378
Product name: Metal catalyst, wetted
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 170 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 170: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill increase isolation distance
Common Hazards of UN 1378
- May react violently or explosively on contact with water.
- Some are transported in flammable liquids.
- May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
- Some of these materials will burn with intense heat.
- Dusts or fumes may form explosive mixtures in air.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Metal catalyst, wetted consists of gray to black solid metal powder or granules wetted with water or alcohol.
| 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 |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1378
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, dry sand, or dry limestone; do not use water or foam on dry material
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; fire-resistant protective clothing; avoid friction or static discharge
Wear Level B minimum personal protective equipment, including SCBA, fire-resistant protective clothing, and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 170: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill increase isolation distance
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 170).
First Actions for a UN 1378 Incident
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 50 meters (160 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1378 — Metal catalyst, wettedHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1378
Product: Metal catalyst, wetted
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 170
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; fire-resistant protective clothing; avoid friction or static discharge
ISOLATION: ERG 170: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill increase isolation distance
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1378 — Metal catalyst, wetted
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 170
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.
Water Reactivity: May react violently or explosively on contact with water if wetting agent evaporates; pyrophoric when dry
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, or dry limestone; do not use water or foam on dry material
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; fire-resistant protective clothing; avoid friction or static discharge
Isolation: ERG 170: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if fire or large spill increase isolation distance
— Key Hazards —
• May react violently or explosively on contact with water.
• Some are transported in flammable liquids.
• May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
— First Actions —
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
• Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 50 meters (160 feet).
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/metal-catalyst-wetted-un-1378 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1378 Metal catalyst, wetted Cls4 ERG170 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/metal-catalyst-wetted-un-1378SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/metal-catalyst-wetted-un-1378
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1378
Yes, it is pyrophoric when dry.
No, it should be extinguished with dry chemical, dry sand, or dry limestone.
It may react violently or explosively on contact with water and is pyrophoric when dry.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.