UN 2878 — Titanium sponge granules
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2878 At a Glance
UN 2878 (Titanium sponge granules) is listed as DOT Class 4 Flammable Solid and is assigned to ERG Guide 170. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2878 is Titanium sponge granules, a flammable metal granule/powder entry assigned to ERG Guide 170. Dust, re-ignition and Class D tactics are important.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE metal granules or powder; finely divided material may ignite from heat, sparks or friction. Burning titanium can produce intense heat and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment. Dust or fines may form explosive mixtures in air.
Response guidance: For UN 2878, isolate the area, avoid dust/friction and use SCBA. Use compatible dry or specialist media, protect exposures and watch for re-ignition or violent decomposition under ERG 170.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2878 should emphasize dust/friction control, compatible media, re-ignition, remote cooling, SCBA use and runoff/debris control. Use ERG 170, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Titanium sponge granules is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Titanium sponge granules should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers away from heat, sparks, friction, moisture where incompatible, oxidizers/reducing agents as applicable and combustible contamination.
UN 2878 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2878
- FLAMMABLE metal granules or powder; finely divided material may ignite from heat, sparks or friction.
- Burning titanium can produce intense heat and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Dust or fines may form explosive mixtures in air.
- Water can intensify burning metal reactions or generate hydrogen when material is hot or finely divided.
- Fire may produce titanium oxide fumes and metal smoke.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Avoid creating dust, sparks or friction during handling.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Gray to dark gray porous metallic granules or powder with a metallic appearance. Odorless solid at room temperature with a sponge-like structure.
| Also known as | Titanium spongeTitanium powderTitanium metal granulesSponge titanium |
| CAS Number | 7440-32-6 |
| Appearance | Gray to dark gray porous metallic granules or powder with a metallic appearance. Odorless solid at room temperature with a sponge-like structure. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric metal) |
| Boiling Point | 3287C (5949F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water when finely divided or heated, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2878
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust or smoke. Wear flame/heat-resistant and chemical-resistant protection; avoid dust clouds, friction and incompatible media.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2878 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, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid incompatible water, moisture or contamination controls that could intensify fire or reaction.
- 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 170, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2878 — Titanium sponge granulesUse 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.