UN 1564 — Barium compound, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1564 is Barium compound, n.o.s., a toxic barium material assigned to ERG Guide 154. Because this is an n.o.s. entry, responders should confirm the exact barium compound before choosing cleanup or runoff controls.
Hazard overview: UN 1564 presents toxic barium dust or solution hazards. Some barium compounds may be water-soluble or oxidizing, so SDS and shipping papers should drive PPE, containment and decontamination decisions.
Response guidance: For a UN 1564 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 154. 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 1564 should emphasize toxic metal compound exposure, dust control, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Barium compound, n.o.s. 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: Barium compound, n.o.s. 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 1564 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1564
- TOXIC barium compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with soluble compounds may cause serious injury.
- Dust may irritate or injure eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Some barium compounds may be oxidizers or water-soluble toxic salts; verify the exact compound from SDS.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases or fumes.
- Runoff may carry toxic barium contamination to waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Hazards vary widely because this is a not-otherwise-specified barium entry.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Physical appearance varies by compound - typically white to gray crystalline solids or powders, some may be colorless crystals. Generally odorless. Physical state at room temperature is solid for most barium compounds.
| Also known as | Barium salts n.o.s.Barium compounds (unspecified)Barium chemicals |
| Appearance | Physical appearance varies by compound - typically white to gray crystalline solids or powders, some may be colorless crystals. Generally odorless. Physical state at room temperature is solid for most barium compounds. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic solids) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by compound - typically high decomposition temperatures above 800C (1472F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by compound - some barium compounds dissolve in water forming toxic solutions; barium metal reacts violently with water releasing hydrogen gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1564
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 1564 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 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1564 — Barium compound, n.o.s.Use 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.