☣️ UN 1337 • CLASS 4
UN 1337 — Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 113. 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.
Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water is a highly shock-sensitive, flammable solid that can ignite spontaneously. It is essential to handle this substance with extreme caution.
Hazard overview: Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. It is also highly shock-sensitive when dry.
Response guidance: In case of fire, use water spray to keep wet, CO2, dry chemical for small fires. Never allow the material to dry out.
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UN 1337 Quick Details
UN 1337
Product name: Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 113 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 113: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or dried material, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 1337
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an
- Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically,
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
The substance appears as a damp paste or slurry when wetted with water (minimum 20%), and as a white to yellowish powder or granular solid when dry.
| Also known as | NitrostarchStarch nitrateNitrated starchExplosive starch |
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder or granular solid when dry. When wetted with water (minimum 20%), appears as a damp paste or slurry. Highly shock-sensitive when dry. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/explodes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; water desensitizes the material |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1337
Extinguishing Media
Water spray to keep wet, CO2, dry chemical for small fires; never allow to dry out
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighting gear with SCBA for fire conditions; avoid shock, friction, and static
Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighting gear with SCBA for fire conditions; avoid shock, friction, and static.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 113: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or dried material, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 113).
First Actions for a UN 1337 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1337 — Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 2HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1337
Product: Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 113
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighting gear with SCBA for fire conditions; avoid shock, friction, and static
ISOLATION: ERG 113: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or dried material, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
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 1337 — Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 113
Appearance: White to yellowish powder or granular solid when dry. When wetted with water (minimum 20%), appears as a damp paste or slurry. Highly shock-sensitive when dry.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; water desensitizes the material
Extinguishing: Water spray to keep wet, CO2, dry chemical for small fires; never allow to dry out
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighting gear with SCBA for fire conditions; avoid shock, friction, and static
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or dried material, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
• Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1337 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1337 Nitrostarch, wetted with not less than 20% water Cls4 ERG113 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1337SMS / 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/nitrostarch-wetted-with-not-un-1337
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1337
Yes, UN 1337 is a flammable solid.
Yes, UN 1337 can ignite spontaneously when dry.
Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighting gear with SCBA for fire conditions.
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.