UN 1544 — Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous)
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1544 is Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous), a toxic solid assigned to ERG Guide 151. The exact alkaloid salt matters, but dust, ingestion and skin contact can create serious or fatal exposure hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1544 presents toxic dust, ingestion and skin-contact hazards. Fire can produce toxic gases, and runoff or contaminated packaging should be controlled as hazardous material.
Response guidance: For a UN 1544 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 incompatible contact and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1544 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, dust/vapor control, SCBA use, decontamination and avoiding skin contact. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous) is regulated as a toxic hazardous material. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by 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: Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous) should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from food, combustibles where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Prevent dust release, leaks and contaminated runoff.
UN 1544 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1544
- HIGHLY TOXIC solid; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Dust may create a serious inhalation or skin-contact hazard.
- Avoid all unnecessary handling and skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Runoff from fire control may be toxic and may pollute waterways.
- Specific toxicity depends on the exact alkaloid salt and should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid material, typically crystalline or powder form. Color and odor vary depending on specific alkaloid compound. Generally stable at room temperature.
| Also known as | Alkaloid saltsSolid alkaloid derivativesPoisonous alkaloid compoundsN.O.S. alkaloid salts |
| Appearance | Solid material, typically crystalline or powder form. Color and odor vary depending on specific alkaloid compound. Generally stable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid, though may decompose in fire) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though solubility varies by specific alkaloid salt |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1544
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 all skin contact and contaminated dust.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1544 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, 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.
- 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 1544 — Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonousUse 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.