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.
UN 3313 At a Glance
UN 3313 (Organic pigments, self-heating) 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 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.
UN 3313 Quick Details
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 |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3313
Extinguishing Media
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
Isolation & Evacuation
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
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3313 — Organic pigments, self-heatingUse 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.