☣️ UN 1544 • CLASS 6
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.
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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.
Alkaloid salts are highly toxic substances that require special handling due to their potential to cause fatal injury through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. They are typically shipped as solid materials in crystalline or powder form.
Hazard overview: Alkaloid salts are highly toxic substances that may be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. They are also highly reactive and may cause fatal injury through skin contact.
Response guidance: In the event of a spill, isolate the area immediately at least 25-50 meters in all directions and evacuate the surrounding area. For fires, use dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for cooling containers.
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UN 1544 Quick Details
UN 1544
Product name: Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous)
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 151 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 151: Isolate spill or leak area immediately at least 25-50 meters in all directions; if large spill isolate 100+ meters; evacuate downwind if airborne dust present
Common Hazards of UN 1544
- Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- 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
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Alkaloid salts are solid materials that may be crystalline or powdery in form, with varying colors and odors depending on the specific alkaloid compound.
| 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 |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1544
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers in fire (substance itself is non-flammable)
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; full face SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory to prevent any skin contact; extreme caution with dust inhalation
Level B minimum; full face SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory to prevent any skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 151: Isolate spill or leak area immediately at least 25-50 meters in all directions; if large spill isolate 100+ meters; evacuate downwind if airborne dust present
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 151).
First Actions for a UN 1544 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- 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 1544 — Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonousHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1544
Product: Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous)
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level B minimum; full face SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory to prevent any skin contact; extreme caution with dust inhalation
ISOLATION: ERG 151: Isolate spill or leak area immediately at least 25-50 meters in all directions; if large spill isolate 100+ meters; evacuate downwind if airborne dust present
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 1544 — Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous)
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: Solid material, typically crystalline or powder form. Color and odor vary depending on specific alkaloid compound. Generally stable at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Generally no significant reaction with water, though solubility varies by specific alkaloid salt
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray for cooling containers in fire (substance itself is non-flammable)
PPE: Level B minimum; full face SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit and gloves mandatory to prevent any skin contact; extreme caution with dust inhalation
Isolation: ERG 151: Isolate spill or leak area immediately at least 25-50 meters in all directions; if large spill isolate 100+ meters; evacuate downwind if airborne dust present
— Key Hazards —
• Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Avoid any skin contact.
• Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• 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.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1544 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1544 Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. (poisonous) Cls6 ERG151 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1544SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/alkaloid-salts-solid-n-un-1544
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1544
Yes, UN 1544 Alkaloid salts are highly toxic substances that may be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin.
Avoid any skin contact with UN 1544 Alkaloid salts, as they may cause fatal injury through skin contact.
Isolate the spill area immediately at least 25-50 meters in all directions and evacuate the surrounding area.
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.