UN 2546 — Titanium powder, dry
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Dry titanium powder is a reactive metal powder shipped as UN 2546. Fine dry particles can ignite in air or moist conditions and can burn with intense heat.
Hazard overview: Titanium powder presents spontaneous combustion, dust ignition and re-ignition hazards. Water, foam or CO2 may be unsafe on burning powder unless the SDS and incident command confirm otherwise.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, avoid disturbing powder and keep ignition sources away. Use Class D dry powder, dry sand or other approved dry media. Monitor for re-ignition after control.
Firefighter training notes: Train firefighters on Class D metal fire tactics, dry media placement and avoiding dust disturbance. Include re-ignition watch procedures.
Regulatory context: UN 2546 is transported as Titanium powder, dry, Class 4 spontaneously combustible material. Confirm package condition and exact product form.
Storage & handling: Store dry in closed containers away from moisture, oxidizers, acids, heat and ignition sources. Prevent powder leaks and dust buildup.
UN 2546 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2546
- Dry titanium powder is a spontaneously combustible metal powder; fine particles can ignite in air or moist air.
- Burning powder can produce an intense, very hot metal fire.
- Dust clouds may flash or explode if dispersed near an ignition source.
- Water, foam or CO2 may react, spread burning powder or worsen the incident.
- Moisture can promote heating and ignition in finely divided material.
- Fire may produce irritating titanium oxide smoke.
- Material may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Titanium powder is a gray to dark gray metallic powder. The finer and drier the powder, the greater the ignition and dust fire hazard.
| Also known as | Titanium metal powderTitanium dustTi powderTitanium particulate |
| CAS Number | 7440-32-6 |
| Appearance | Gray to dark gray metallic powder. Odorless. Exists as a fine to coarse dry powder at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric metal powder) |
| Boiling Point | 3287C (5949F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid metal powder) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture in air; may ignite spontaneously when damp or in humid conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2546
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for smoke, dust or unknown atmosphere. Fire-resistant clothing and protective equipment suitable for reactive metal fires are required.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2546 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and avoid disturbing the powder.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of dust and smoke.
- Avoid breathing dust or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers without PPE and reactive-metal response guidance.
- Keep water and incompatible extinguishing agents away from burning powder.
- Use ERG 135, SDS and shipping papers to confirm dry media, isolation and cleanup tactics.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2546 — Titanium powder, 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.