UN 2846 — Pyrophoric solid, organic, n.o.s.
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2846 is Pyrophoric solid, organic, n.o.s., a broad pyrophoric organic solid entry assigned to ERG Guide 135. Exact product/SDS must be verified before tactics.
Hazard overview: PYROPHORIC organic solid, n.o.s.; may ignite spontaneously on exposure to air. Exact product may also be water-reactive, toxic or solvent-wet; verify SDS and shipping papers. May re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
Response guidance: For UN 2846, isolate the area, exclude water/moisture and use SCBA. Use only compatible dry media, watch for re-ignition and verify tactics with SDS and ERG 135.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2846 should emphasize water/moisture exclusion, dry-media tactics, re-ignition checks, gas monitoring, SCBA use and runoff control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Pyrophoric solid, organic, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Pyrophoric solid, organic, n.o.s. should be stored dry in sealed compatible containers away from water, moisture, acids, oxidizers and ignition sources. Keep compatible dry media available.
UN 2846 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2846
- PYROPHORIC organic solid, n.o.s.; may ignite spontaneously on exposure to air.
- Exact product may also be water-reactive, toxic or solvent-wet; verify SDS and shipping papers.
- May re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water, foam or CO2 may worsen some pyrophoric reactions or spread burning material.
- Fire may produce toxic organic smoke and irritating gases.
- Runoff may carry reactive or toxic contamination.
- Packaging condition strongly affects fire and spill behavior.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Typically a fine powder or granular solid that may vary in color from tan to dark brown or black. Often has little to no odor in its packaged state. Ignites spontaneously upon exposure to air at or below 54°C (130°F).
| Also known as | Pyrophoric organic solidSelf-igniting organic solidSpontaneously combustible organic solidAir-reactive organic solid |
| Appearance | Typically a fine powder or granular solid that may vary in color from tan to dark brown or black. Often has little to no odor in its packaged state. Ignites spontaneously upon exposure to air at or below 54°C (130°F). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (ignites spontaneously in air) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes upon ignition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water or moisture to generate flammable gases or increase ignitability; keep dry |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2846
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and dry compatible protective clothing. Protect against fire, caustic/reactive dust and toxic decomposition products; exclude moisture.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2846 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, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water or moisture contact controlled because reaction or re-ignition hazards may be severe.
- 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 2846 — Pyrophoric solid, organic, n.o.s.Use 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.