UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dry
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2881 At a Glance
UN 2881 (Nickel catalyst, dry) is listed as DOT Class 4 Spontaneously Combustible and is assigned to ERG Guide 135. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2881 is Nickel catalyst, dry, a spontaneously combustible dry catalyst assigned to ERG Guide 135. Air/moisture exposure and re-ignition require control.
Hazard overview: SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE dry nickel catalyst; may ignite on exposure to air or moisture. High-surface-area powder can heat, burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment. May generate hydrogen or heat if improperly wetted or contaminated.
Response guidance: For UN 2881, isolate the area, avoid dust/friction and use SCBA. Use compatible dry or specialist media, protect exposures and watch for re-ignition or violent decomposition under ERG 135.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2881 should emphasize dust/friction control, compatible media, re-ignition, remote cooling, SCBA use and runoff/debris control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nickel catalyst, dry is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nickel catalyst, dry should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers away from heat, sparks, friction, moisture where incompatible, oxidizers/reducing agents as applicable and combustible contamination.
UN 2881 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2881
- SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE dry nickel catalyst; may ignite on exposure to air or moisture.
- High-surface-area powder can heat, burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- May generate hydrogen or heat if improperly wetted or contaminated.
- Dust can irritate lungs and may present nickel sensitization or chronic exposure concerns.
- Water, foam or CO2 may be unsuitable for dry pyrophoric material unless specialist guidance confirms compatibility.
- Fire may produce nickel oxide fumes and metal smoke.
- Avoid dust clouds, friction and uncontrolled air/moisture exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fine gray to black powder or granules with a metallic appearance. Odorless. Solid at room temperature with high surface area and pyrophoric properties when dry.
| Also known as | Raney nickel catalystnickel powder catalystskeletal nickel catalystnickel sponge catalyst |
| Appearance | Fine gray to black powder or granules with a metallic appearance. Odorless. Solid at room temperature with high surface area and pyrophoric properties when dry. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (metal catalyst) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture generating heat and hydrogen gas; pyrophoric when dry. Keep away from water until properly wetted. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2881
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust or smoke. Wear flame/heat-resistant and chemical-resistant protection; avoid dust clouds, friction and incompatible media.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2881 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid incompatible water, moisture or contamination controls that could intensify fire or reaction.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 135, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dryUse 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.