UN 1551 — Antimony potassium tartrate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1551 is Antimony potassium tartrate, a toxic antimony material assigned to ERG Guide 151. The exact compound controls water reactivity and solubility, so responders should verify shipping papers and SDS.
Hazard overview: UN 1551 presents antimony dust, ingestion and skin-contact hazards. Some compounds may release corrosive fumes with moisture, while fire or runoff can spread toxic contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1551 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1551 should emphasize toxic metal compound exposure, dust control, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Antimony potassium tartrate is regulated as a toxic hazardous material. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by compound, concentration, 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: Antimony potassium tartrate should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from food, incompatible chemicals, heat and unauthorized access. Prevent dust release, leaks and contaminated runoff.
UN 1551 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1551
- TOXIC antimony compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury.
- Dust or solution contact may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control may carry toxic antimony contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Specific hazards depend on the exact antimony compound and solubility.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to white crystalline powder or transparent crystals. Odorless. Solid at room temperature, soluble in water.
| Also known as | Tartar emeticPotassium antimony tartratePotassium antimonyl tartrateAntimony potassium bitartrate |
| CAS Number | 28300-74-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless to white crystalline powder or transparent crystals. Odorless. Solid at room temperature, soluble in water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no significant violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1551
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid skin contact and contaminated dust or runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1551 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds; cover or contain dry material only using methods directed by SDS and incident command.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1551 — Antimony potassium tartrateUse 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.