UN 1332 — Metaldehyde
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1332 is Metaldehyde, a Class 4 flammable solid assigned to ERG Guide 133. It may burn as powder, granules, lumps or molten material depending on the exact product and fire conditions.
Hazard overview: UN 1332 presents flammable solid, dust and smoke hazards. Powders can burn rapidly or form dust-air mixtures, while fire may produce irritating smoke and contaminated residue.
Response guidance: For a UN 1332 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors, dust or runoff out of drains where relevant, and use compatible fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1332 should emphasize dust fire behavior, rapid surface burning, smoke exposure, compatible extinguishment and avoiding dust cloud generation. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Metaldehyde 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: Metaldehyde should be stored in compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Prevent dust release, friction, impact and unauthorized access.
UN 1332 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1332
- FLAMMABLE solid; may be ignited by heat, sparks, friction or flames.
- Powders, dusts, shavings or small particles may burn rapidly or explosively in air.
- Some materials may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
- Molten or softened material may spread fire if heated.
- Runoff from fire control may carry contaminated residue.
- Specific hazards depend on the exact product and should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline solid or powder with a characteristic odor. Stable at room temperature but may sublime slowly.
| Also known as | MetaldehydeMeta fuelSlug baitSnail baitMetacetaldehydeTetraacetaldehyde |
| CAS Number | 108-62-3 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder with a characteristic odor. Stable at room temperature but may sublime slowly. |
| Flash Point | 36C (97F) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sublimes at 112-115C without melting) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, but vapors heavier than air if sublimed) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1332
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, smoke, dust or confined-space exposure. Gloves, eye protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid dust generation and contaminated residue contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1332 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.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading powder during movement or cleanup.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if large quantities, dust clouds or fire involvement are present.
- Use ERG Guide 133, shipping papers, SDS and incident command for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1332 — MetaldehydeUse 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.