UN 1472 — Lithium peroxide
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 143. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1472 is Lithium peroxide, a Class 5 peroxide oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 143. It can release oxygen or alkaline/corrosive products and intensify nearby fires.
Hazard overview: UN 1472 presents oxidizer, oxygen-release and decomposition hazards. Heat, moisture, contamination or fuels can increase fire intensity and runoff may become alkaline or contaminated.
Response guidance: For a UN 1472 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 143. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, keep fuels and organics away, avoid contaminated absorbents and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1472 should emphasize peroxide oxygen release, contamination control, incompatibility with fuels or organics, heating/decomposition behavior and correct extinguishing decisions. Use ERG 143, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Lithium 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: Lithium 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 1472 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1472
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- May decompose with heat or contamination, increasing oxygen release and fire intensity.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing, packaging or contaminated absorbents.
- Peroxides may release oxygen or alkaline/corrosive products when heated, wetted or contaminated.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may spread oxidizing material and create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Dust, solution or decomposition products may irritate or injure eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to yellowish-white granular powder or crystalline solid. Odorless. Stable when dry but decomposes slowly in air.
| Also known as | Lithium peroxideDilithium peroxideLithium oxide peroxidePeroxyde de lithium |
| CAS Number | 12031-80-0 |
| Appearance | White to yellowish-white granular powder or crystalline solid. Odorless. Stable when dry but decomposes slowly in air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing heat, oxygen, and corrosive lithium hydroxide. Do not use water on material. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1472
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 1472 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, drains or incompatible materials 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 143, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1472 — Lithium 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.