☣️ UN 3313 • CLASS 4
UN 3313 — Organic pigments, self-heating
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ 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.
UN 3313 applies to self-heating organic pigments, usually powders or granules. The major risk is spontaneous heating or ignition when material is exposed to moisture, air, or contamination.
Hazard overview: Pigment dusts may self-heat, burn rapidly, and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment. Moisture exposure can trigger heating or spontaneous combustion in sensitive formulations.
Response guidance: Keep the material dry, isolate the spill, and avoid disturbing dust. Use dry chemical, dry sand, or dry earth only unless product-specific data allows another agent.
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UN 3313 Quick Details
UN 3313
Product name: Organic pigments, self-heating
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 135 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill area 25m (80 ft) in all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m (0.5 mile) radius; evacuate immediate area if container exposed to fire
Common Hazards of UN 3313
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fine powders or granular solids, various colors (red, yellow, blue, orange, etc.) depending on specific pigment. Dry, dusty appearance at room temperature.
| Also known as | Self-heating organic pigmentsOrganic colorantsPyrophoric pigmentsSelf-igniting pigments |
| Appearance | Fine powders or granular solids, various colors (red, yellow, blue, orange, etc.) depending on specific pigment. Dry, dusty appearance at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (self-heating solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid material, may decompose before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May ignite on contact with moisture or humid air - water exposure can trigger self-heating and spontaneous combustion |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3313
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, dry sand, or dry earth only - DO NOT use water, foam, or CO2 which contain moisture
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing to protect against spontaneous ignition; work in well-ventilated area away from moisture
Level B minimum with SCBA required; heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing to protect against spontaneous ignition; work in well-ventilated area away from moisture
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 135: isolate spill area 25m (80 ft) in all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m (0.5 mile) radius; evacuate immediate area if container exposed to fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 135).
First Actions for a UN 3313 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
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3313 — Organic pigments, self-heatingHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3313
Product: Organic pigments, self-heating
Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 135
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing to protect against spontaneous ignition; work in well-ventilated area away from moisture
ISOLATION: ERG 135: isolate spill area 25m (80 ft) in all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m (0.5 mile) radius; evacuate immediate area if container exposed to fire
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 3313 — Organic pigments, self-heating
Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 135
Appearance: Fine powders or granular solids, various colors (red, yellow, blue, orange, etc.) depending on specific pigment. Dry, dusty appearance at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: May ignite on contact with moisture or humid air - water exposure can trigger self-heating and spontaneous combustion
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, or dry earth only - DO NOT use water, foam, or CO2 which contain moisture
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing to protect against spontaneous ignition; work in well-ventilated area away from moisture
Isolation: ERG 135: isolate spill area 25m (80 ft) in all directions; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m (0.5 mile) radius; evacuate immediate area if container exposed to fire
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
• May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
— 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
• For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/organic-pigments-self-heating-un-3313 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3313 Organic pigments, self-heating Cls4 ERG135 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/organic-pigments-self-heating-un-3313SMS / 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/organic-pigments-self-heating-un-3313
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3313
Yes. It is a self-heating combustible solid that may ignite under certain conditions.
Yes. Moisture or humid air may trigger self-heating and possible ignition.
Use dry chemical, dry sand, or dry earth; avoid water and foam unless the SDS confirms compatibility.
SCBA, heat-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and dust control precautions are recommended.
Verify shipping papers, container markings, SDS details, and incident command guidance before taking action.
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.