☣️ UN 1500 • CLASS 5
UN 1500 — Sodium nitrite
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 141. 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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UN 1500 Quick Details
UN 1500
Product name: Sodium nitrite
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 141 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 141: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
Common Hazards of UN 1500
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some may burn rapidly.
- 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.
- Toxic by ingestion.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Nitrous acid sodium saltSodium nitrite (food grade)NaNO2Diazotizing saltsFilmerine |
| CAS Number | 7632-00-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless or slight odor. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at 320C/608F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; solution is alkaline. No violent reaction with water. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1500
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum for small spills; Level B with SCBA for large spills or fire involvement. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of dust.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 141: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 141).
First Actions for a UN 1500 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 1500 — Sodium nitriteHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1500
Product: Sodium nitrite
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 141
PPE: Level C minimum for small spills; Level B with SCBA for large spills or fire involvement. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of dust.
ISOLATION: ERG 141: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
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 1500 — Sodium nitrite
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 141
Appearance: White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless or slight odor. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air).
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; solution is alkaline. No violent reaction with water.
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer.
PPE: Level C minimum for small spills; Level B with SCBA for large spills or fire involvement. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of dust.
Isolation: ERG 141: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
— Key Hazards —
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• May explode from heat or contamination.
• Some may burn rapidly.
— 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/1500 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1500 Sodium nitrite Cls5 ERG141 | ERG 141: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directio | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1500SMS / 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/1500
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1500
These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some may burn rapidly. 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. Toxic by ingestion.
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 small spills; Level B with SCBA for large spills or fire involvement. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of dust.
Water reactivity: Soluble in water; solution is alkaline. No violent reaction with water.. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer..
ERG Guide 141 recommendation: ERG 141: Isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation.
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 141 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.