☣️ UN 1485 • CLASS 5

UN 1485 — Potassium chlorate

Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 1485 Quick Details

UN 1485
Product name: Potassium chlorate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation

Common Hazards of UN 1485

  • These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
  • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • May explode from heat or contamination.
  • Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
  • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Also known asChlorate of potashPotassium chlorate(V)PotcrateBerthollet saltFekabit
CAS Number3811-04-9
AppearanceWhite crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Cooling, saline taste.
Flash PointNot applicable (oxidizing solid)
Boiling Point400C (752F) - decomposes
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivitySoluble in water; no violent reaction but increases oxidizing potential of solution
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1485

Extinguishing Media

Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).

First Actions for a UN 1485 Incident

  • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
  • Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1485 — Potassium chlorate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1485 Product: Potassium chlorate Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140 PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1485 — Potassium chlorate Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140 Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Cooling, saline taste. Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; no violent reaction but increases oxidizing potential of solution Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics Isolation: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation — Key Hazards — • These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. • May explode from heat or contamination. — First Actions — • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper • Keep unauthorized personnel away. • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1485 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN1485 Potassium chlorate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 8 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1485SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1485

Related UN Numbers in Class 5

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1485

These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or

CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics

Water reactivity: Soluble in water; no violent reaction but increases oxidizing potential of solution. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer.

ERG Guide 140 recommendation: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 140 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.