☣️ UN 1496 • CLASS 5
UN 1496 — Sodium chlorite
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 143. 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 1496 Quick Details
UN 1496
Product name: Sodium chlorite
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 143 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 143: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate downwind
Common Hazards of UN 1496
- May explode from friction, heat or contamination.
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Chlorous acid sodium saltSodium chlorite solutionTextoneAlcide |
| CAS Number | 7758-19-2 |
| Appearance | White to slightly greenish crystalline solid or pale yellow solution with a faint chlorine-like odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 180-200C (356-392F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; reacts with acids to release chlorine dioxide gas |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1496
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, do not use dry chemicals or foam; flooding amounts of water acceptable
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contact with skin and eyes; use chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 143: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 143).
First Actions for a UN 1496 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
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1496 — Sodium chloriteHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1496
Product: Sodium chlorite
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 143
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contact with skin and eyes; use chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
ISOLATION: ERG 143: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m in 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 1496 — Sodium chlorite
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 143
Appearance: White to slightly greenish crystalline solid or pale yellow solution with a faint chlorine-like odor at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; reacts with acids to release chlorine dioxide gas
Extinguishing: Water spray, do not use dry chemicals or foam; flooding amounts of water acceptable
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid contact with skin and eyes; use chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
Isolation: ERG 143: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate downwind
— Key Hazards —
• May explode from friction, heat or contamination.
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
— 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/1496 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1496 Sodium chlorite Cls5 ERG143 | ERG 143: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 80 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1496SMS / 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/1496
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1496
May explode from friction, heat or contamination. These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
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 contact with skin and eyes; use chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
Water reactivity: Soluble in water; reacts with acids to release chlorine dioxide gas. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, do not use dry chemicals or foam; flooding amounts of water acceptable.
ERG Guide 143 recommendation: ERG 143: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate downwind
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 143 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.