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 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.