☣️ UN 1438 • CLASS 5
UN 1438 — Aluminum nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. 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.
Aluminum nitrate is a white to slightly gray crystalline solid that is highly hygroscopic and can accelerate burning when involved in a fire. It is used in various applications, including as a precursor to aluminum oxide.
Hazard overview: Aluminum nitrate can accelerate burning when involved in a fire and may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. It can also release heat when dissolved in water.
Response guidance: In the event of a fire, use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash for small fires and flood with water from a distance for large fires. Do not use water directly on bulk material.
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UN 1438 Quick Details
UN 1438
Product name: Aluminum nitrate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m
Common Hazards of UN 1438
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Aluminum nitrate is a white to slightly gray crystalline solid that is typically appears as granular powder or crystals.
| Also known as | Aluminum trinitrateNitric acid aluminum saltAluminum(III) nitrate nonahydrateAlum nitrate |
| CAS Number | 13473-90-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly gray crystalline solid, typically appears as granular powder or crystals. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). Odorless or slight nitric acid odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid, non-flammable but supports combustion) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at approximately 135C/275F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water, releasing heat (exothermic dissolution). No violent reaction but solution is acidic. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1438
Extinguishing Media
Do not use water directly on bulk material; use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash for small fires. Flood with water from distance for large fires.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum recommended; full face respirator with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant suit; avoid contact with combustibles
Level B minimum recommended; full face respirator with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant suit; avoid contact with combustibles.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 1438 Incident
- 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
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1438 — Aluminum nitrateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1438
Product: Aluminum nitrate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum recommended; full face respirator with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant suit; avoid contact with combustibles
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m
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 1438 — Aluminum nitrate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to slightly gray crystalline solid, typically appears as granular powder or crystals. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). Odorless or slight nitric acid odor.
Water Reactivity: Dissolves readily in water, releasing heat (exothermic dissolution). No violent reaction but solution is acidic.
Extinguishing: Do not use water directly on bulk material; use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash for small fires. Flood with water from distance for large fires.
PPE: Level B minimum recommended; full face respirator with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant suit; avoid contact with combustibles
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 800m
— Key Hazards —
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
• May explode from heat or contamination.
— First Actions —
• 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
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/aluminum-nitrate-un-1438 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1438 Aluminum nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/aluminum-nitrate-un-1438SMS / 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/aluminum-nitrate-un-1438
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1438
No, UN 1438 Aluminum nitrate is not flammable but can accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
No, do not use water directly on bulk material; use dry chemical, sand, or soda ash for small fires.
Level B minimum recommended; full face respirator with SCBA for fire conditions; chemical-resistant suit; avoid contact with combustibles.
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.