UN 2858 — Zirconium, dry, coiled wire, finished metal sheets, strip
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 170. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Zirconium, dry, coiled wire, finished metal sheets, strip requires dry, cautious hazmat handling because moisture, dust, or damaged packaging can change the incident quickly. Verify the exact product condition before applying water or moving containers.
Hazard overview: The key hazards for Zirconium, dry, coiled wire, finished metal sheets, strip are reactive fire behavior, toxic or corrosive fumes, and contaminated runoff. Fine particles, damaged devices, or wet material can be much more dangerous than intact product.
Response guidance: Isolate the release, keep water away from reactive material, remove ignition sources, and monitor for hydrogen or acid gases where relevant. Use dry sand, dry powder, lime, soda ash, or other compatible dry media only when appropriate to the exact material.
Firefighter training notes: Training should focus on moisture exclusion, dry extinguishing media, gas monitoring, and withdrawal distances for UN 2858.
Regulatory context: Verify the SDS, shipping papers, packaging condition, and ERG 170 before selecting water, neutralization, or cleanup tactics.
Storage & handling: Store dry and tightly closed, away from water, humidity, incompatible acids/bases, oxidizers, fuels, and ignition sources as specified by SDS.
UN 2858 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2858
- Dry zirconium forms can ignite; dust or fines may react with water and release flammable hydrogen gas.
- Contact can injure skin, eyes, and respiratory tissue; fumes may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating decomposition products.
- Containers or devices may rupture when heated or contaminated.
- Direct water, foam, or incompatible agents can worsen the incident for released reactive material.
- Runoff can become corrosive or contaminated and should be contained.
- Use SDS, shipping papers, and monitoring before selecting final tactics.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Silvery-gray to grayish-black metallic solid. Odorless. Appears as coiled wire, finished sheets, or strip form
| Also known as | Zirconium metalZirconium wireZirconium sheetZirconium stripZr metal |
| CAS Number | 7440-67-7 |
| Appearance | Silvery-gray to grayish-black metallic solid. Odorless. Appears as coiled wire, finished sheets, or strip form. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric metal when finely divided) |
| Boiling Point | 4409C (7968F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid metal) |
| Water Reactivity | Finely divided forms react violently with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas. Finished coils, sheets, and strips are less reactive but may still react under certain conditions. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2858
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA with chemical- and heat-protective clothing. Specialist metal-fire or water-reactive tactics may be needed, and distance remains part of PPE.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2858 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers or the SDS.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and isolate the area from ignition and moisture sources.
- Stay upwind, uphill, and upstream; avoid low areas where corrosive fumes or hydrogen may collect.
- Avoid breathing fumes and prevent all skin and eye contact with material or runoff.
- Do not touch containers or residue without SCBA and chemical-resistant PPE.
- Do not apply water directly to the material unless specialist guidance confirms it is safe.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers, and monitoring for hydrogen, acid gases, and oxygen levels.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2858 — Zirconium, dry, coiled wire, finished meUse 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.