UN 1449 — Barium peroxide
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 141. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1449 is Barium peroxide, a reactive Class 5 oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 141. It can release oxygen or oxidizing decomposition products when heated or contaminated.
Hazard overview: UN 1449 presents oxidizer, decomposition and contamination hazards. Fire may accelerate rapidly, and incompatible materials can cause violent reaction or toxic smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 1449 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 141. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on the ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1449 should emphasize oxidizer fire behavior, separation from fuels and organics, contamination control, dust avoidance, container-heating hazards and correct extinguishing decisions. Common errors include treating oxidizers like ordinary combustibles, mixing contaminated material and using incompatible cleanup methods. Use ERG 141, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Barium peroxide is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Barium peroxide should be stored in compatible oxidizer storage away from fuels, organic materials, reducing agents, acids where incompatible, heat, ignition sources and contamination. Keep containers closed, dry, clearly labeled and separated from combustible packaging or spilled residues.
UN 1449 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1449
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- May decompose violently when heated, contaminated or confined.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing or packaging.
- Reactive oxidizers may decompose with heat or contamination, releasing oxygen or other oxidizing gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Dust, solution or decomposition products may irritate or injure eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Grayish-white to white odorless powder or granular solid at room temperature. Oxidizing solid with high density.
| Also known as | Barium dioxideBarium binoxideBarium superoxidePeroxide de baryum |
| CAS Number | 1304-29-6 |
| Appearance | Grayish-white to white odorless powder or granular solid at room temperature. Oxidizing solid with high density. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at 800C/1472F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing oxygen and forming barium hydroxide; avoid direct water application |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1449
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust, decomposition or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1449 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep combustibles, fuels, organics, reducing agents and contaminated materials away from the spill.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds and prevent runoff from contacting combustibles or drains when possible.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if large quantities, contamination, heating or container involvement are present.
- Use ERG Guide 141, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1449 — Barium peroxideUse 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.