• Fine particles, shavings can burn
• Burn hotter than normal combustibles
• Can react with water

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NOTES

Some metals can ignite when they are in the form of dust, fine particles or thin shavings.

Metals will also burn hotter than normal combustibles.

Metal dusts are extremely dangerous and if a fire begins in a compartment where fine metal particles are suspended in air, it can result in a large explosion.

Burning combustible metals can react violently with water, special extinguishing agents are often required.

Pyrophoric metals (such as lithium, potassium and white phosphorus) are extremely dangerous as they may combust spontaneously on contact with air.