My mind was confused between Manganese and Magnesium. Having seen the results of both a Li-ion battery fire and a magnesium fire, my first thought was if you mixed the two you could have the most devastating fire imaginable!
But it's manganese, not magnesium, I reasoned. False alarm, says I.
But wait --- it turns out manganese can be extremely flammable, too!
Still, I'm no chemist. It could be inert and safe, far as I know.
From BRAVE AI:
Manganese can be extremely flammable,
Based on the search results, manganese dust (finely divided) has been known to be pyrophoric, meaning it can spontaneously ignite in air. Additionally, manganese compounds and fumes can react violently or explosively on contact with water, generating hydrogen gas, an extremely dangerous explosion hazard.
Firefighting Considerations
When fighting fires involving manganese, it is crucial to avoid using water, as it can exacerbate the situation by generating hydrogen gas. Instead, use dry sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers, or class D extinguishers. Confining and smothering metal fires is preferable rather than applying water. If possible, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire to prevent further ignition sources.
Handling and Storage
To minimize the risk of manganese fires, it is essential to handle and store manganese-containing materials in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and ignition sparks. Ensure that containers are tightly sealed and not damaged, and consider implementing explosion-proof equipment and ventilation systems.
Personal Protective Equipment
While there are no specific recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) for manganese exposure, it is still important to follow standard safety protocols when handling manganese-containing materials, including wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection as needed.