☣️ UN 1486 • CLASS 5
Potassium nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. 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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Quick details
UN 1486
Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG: Guide 140 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | SaltpeterSaltpetreNiterNitreKNO3 |
| CAS Number | 7757-79-1 |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Commonly appears as translucent crystals or granular material at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 400C (752F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water with no significant hazardous reaction; however, dissolution is endothermic and may lower solution temperature. |
| Extinguishing | Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam generally not required for solid oxidizer but water may be used to cool containers |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles |
| Isolation | ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- 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
First actions (field-minded)
- 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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UN 1486 — Potassium nitrate HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1486
Product: Potassium nitrate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1486 — Potassium nitrate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to colorless crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Commonly appears as translucent crystals or granular material at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water with no significant hazardous reaction; however, dissolution is endothermic and may lower solution temperature.
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam generally not required for solid oxidizer but water may be used to cool containers
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
— 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/1486 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1486 Potassium nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1486SMS / 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/1486
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FAQ
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 C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles
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.