UN 1493 — Silver nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1493 is Silver nitrate, a Class 5 oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 140. It can intensify fire and also presents corrosive silver nitrate solution and contaminated-runoff concerns.
Hazard overview: UN 1493 presents oxidizer, corrosive solution and contamination hazards. Keep away from organic materials and reducing agents, avoid dust or solution contact, and control runoff under incident command.
Response guidance: For a UN 1493 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 140. 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 1493 should emphasize oxidizer fire behavior plus toxic metal contamination control, dust avoidance, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Silver nitrate 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: Silver nitrate should be stored in compatible oxidizer storage away from fuels, organics, reducing agents, heat and contamination. Keep containers closed and dry, and manage dust/runoff controls because toxic or corrosive contamination may create additional cleanup concerns.
UN 1493 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1493
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing, packaging or contaminated absorbents.
- Silver nitrate can react dangerously with organic materials, reducing agents, ammonia compounds or contaminated absorbents.
- 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.
- Silver nitrate solutions are corrosive and can stain or burn skin and eyes; contaminated runoff should be controlled.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to white crystalline solid, odorless. Becomes grayish-black upon exposure to light in the presence of organic matter.
| Also known as | Lunar causticSilver(I) nitrateNitric acid silver saltAgNO3 |
| CAS Number | 7761-88-8 |
| Appearance | Colorless to white crystalline solid, odorless. Becomes grayish-black upon exposure to light in the presence of organic matter. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | 444°C (831°F) - decomposes |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; exothermic dissolution may generate heat. No violent reaction but aqueous solutions are corrosive. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1493
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust, decomposition or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing; avoid silver nitrate dust, corrosive solution and contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1493 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 140, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1493 — Silver nitrateUse 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.