UN 1884 — Barium oxide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 157. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1884 is Barium oxide, a toxic corrosive solid assigned to ERG Guide 157. It reacts with water or moist air to form hot barium hydroxide, creating caustic and soluble barium contamination hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1884 presents toxic barium dust, corrosive water reaction, heat generation and alkaline runoff hazards. Keep it dry and control contaminated dust or runoff.
Response guidance: For a UN 1884 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 157. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1884 should emphasize water-reactive fuming behavior, heavy vapor movement, dry-agent selection, runoff control, PPE selection and decontamination. Use ERG 157, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Barium oxide is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, 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 oxide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers/reducing agents where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1884 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1884
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE barium oxide; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe injury.
- Reacts vigorously with water or moist air to form hot, corrosive barium hydroxide solution.
- Dust can irritate or burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Runoff may carry soluble barium contamination and strong alkalinity.
- Non-combustible, but heating or fire may produce irritating/corrosive dust or fumes.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated or contaminated with water.
- Avoid dust generation and moisture contact.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to yellowish-white odorless powder or crystalline solid at room temperature. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air.
| Also known as | Barium monoxideCalcined barytaBarium protoxideBarium(II) oxide |
| CAS Number | 1304-28-5 |
| Appearance | White to yellowish-white odorless powder or crystalline solid at room temperature. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 2000C (3632F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously with water to form barium hydroxide and releases heat; forms toxic and corrosive solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1884
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fume, dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1884 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, mist or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water and moisture away from released product unless incident command confirms a compatible cooling or control use.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- 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, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 157, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1884 — Barium oxideUse 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.