☣️ UN 1487 • CLASS 5
Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite mixture
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 1487
Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG: Guide 140 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate 25-50m initially; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Potassium nitrate-sodium nitrite mixtureSaltpeter-sodium nitrite blendKNO3-NaNO2 mixture |
| Appearance | White to yellowish crystalline solid or granular powder. Odorless. Mixture of two oxidizing salts. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but creates oxidizing solution |
| Extinguishing | Water spray, fog only; no foam on burning oxidizer; dry chemical for small fires |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contamination with organics or combustibles |
| Isolation | ERG 140: isolate 25-50m initially; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions |
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 1487 — Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite mix HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1487
Product: Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite mixture
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contamination with organics or combustibles
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate 25-50m initially; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
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 1487 — Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite mixture
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to yellowish crystalline solid or granular powder. Odorless. Mixture of two oxidizing salts.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; no violent reaction but creates oxidizing solution
Extinguishing: Water spray, fog only; no foam on burning oxidizer; dry chemical for small fires
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contamination with organics or combustibles
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate 25-50m initially; if tank/railcar involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— 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/1487 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1487 Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite mixture Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1487SMS / 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/1487
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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 B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contamination with organics or 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.