☣️ UN 1553 • CLASS 6
Arsenic acid, liquid
Placard: Toxic. 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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Quick details
UN 1553
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 154 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Orthoarsenic acidArsenic(V) acidArsenic pentoxide hydrate solutionArsenate solution |
| CAS Number | 7778-39-4 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly colored aqueous solution. Odorless or slight acidic odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100C (212F) for aqueous solutions |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water; already an aqueous solution |
| Extinguishing | Water spray, dry chemical, CO2 acceptable for small fires; flood with water for larger incidents |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA, full face shield, chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; avoid all contact |
| Isolation | ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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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UN 1553 — Arsenic acid, liquid HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1553
Product: Arsenic acid, liquid
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 154
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA, full face shield, chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; avoid all contact
ISOLATION: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
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 1553 — Arsenic acid, liquid
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 154
Appearance: Clear to slightly colored aqueous solution. Odorless or slight acidic odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Dissolves readily in water; already an aqueous solution
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2 acceptable for small fires; flood with water for larger incidents
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA, full face shield, chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; avoid all contact
Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Avoid any skin contact.
— 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/1553 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1553 Arsenic acid, liquid Cls6 ERG154 | ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m a | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1553SMS / 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/1553
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FAQ
TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
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, full face shield, chemical-resistant suit and gloves required; avoid all contact
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 154 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.