☣️ UN 1498 • CLASS 5
UN 1498 — Sodium nitrate
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 1498 Quick Details
UN 1498
Product name: Sodium nitrate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night
Common Hazards of UN 1498
- 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 | Nitric acid sodium saltSoda niterChile saltpeterCubic niter |
| CAS Number | 7631-99-4 |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic and may form caked masses when exposed to moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid, non-flammable but accelerates combustion) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes above 380C/716F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, exothermic dissolution. No violent reaction but solution is oxidizing. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1498
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Use large amounts of water to cool and dilute. Avoid organic materials and combustibles.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 1498 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 1498 — Sodium nitrateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1498
Product: Sodium nitrate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level C minimum for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory.
ISOLATION: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night
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 1498 — Sodium nitrate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic and may form caked masses when exposed to moisture.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water, exothermic dissolution. No violent reaction but solution is oxidizing.
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Use large amounts of water to cool and dilute. Avoid organic materials and combustibles.
PPE: Level C minimum for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory.
Isolation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night
— 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/1498 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1498 Sodium nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1498SMS / 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/1498
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1498
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 for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory.
Water reactivity: Soluble in water, exothermic dissolution. No violent reaction but solution is oxidizing.. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Use large amounts of water to cool and dilute. Avoid organic materials and combustibles..
ERG Guide 140 recommendation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night
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.