☣️ UN 1488 • CLASS 5
UN 1488 — Potassium nitrite
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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 1488 Quick Details
UN 1488
Product name: Potassium nitrite
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m all directions and evacuate downwind
Common Hazards of UN 1488
- 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 as | Nitrous acid potassium saltPotassium nitrite (KNO2)Saltpeter (potassium nitrite) |
| CAS Number | 7758-09-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless. Hygroscopic and may cake when exposed to moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes above 440C/824F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water forming alkaline solution; no violent reaction but may release toxic nitrogen oxides if contaminated or heated |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1488
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, or water spray for cooling only; avoid organic materials and combustibles
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in fire or decomposition; chemical-resistant suit and gloves for spills
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m all directions and evacuate downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 1488 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 1488 — Potassium nitriteHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1488
Product: Potassium nitrite
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in fire or decomposition; chemical-resistant suit and gloves for spills
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m all directions and evacuate downwind
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 1488 — Potassium nitrite
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless. Hygroscopic and may cake when exposed to moisture.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water forming alkaline solution; no violent reaction but may release toxic nitrogen oxides if contaminated or heated
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or water spray for cooling only; avoid organic materials and combustibles
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in fire or decomposition; chemical-resistant suit and gloves for spills
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m all directions and evacuate downwind
— 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/1488 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1488 Potassium nitrite Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m all directio | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1488SMS / 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/1488
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1488
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 in fire or decomposition; chemical-resistant suit and gloves for spills
Water reactivity: Soluble in water forming alkaline solution; no violent reaction but may release toxic nitrogen oxides if contaminated or heated. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or water spray for cooling only; avoid organic materials and combustibles.
ERG Guide 140 recommendation: ERG 140: isolate spill 25-50m; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m all directions and evacuate downwind
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.