UN 1444 — Ammonium persulphate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Ammonium persulphate is a white crystalline solid that is stable at room temperature but decomposes upon heating. It is used in various industrial applications, including as a bleach and a component in photographic developers.
Hazard overview: Ammonium persulphate will accelerate burning when involved in a fire and may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. It can also release oxygen and heat when dissolved in water.
Response guidance: In the event of a fire, use dry chemical, CO2, or sand to extinguish the flames, and avoid using water as it may cause the substance to decompose explosively. If the substance is spilled, isolate the area and evacuate the surrounding area if necessary.
UN 1444 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1444
- 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
Ammonium persulphate is a white crystalline solid that is odorless and stable at room temperature.
| Also known as | Ammonium peroxydisulfateDiammonium peroxydisulfateAmmonium peroxodisulfateAPS |
| CAS Number | 7727-54-0 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid, odorless. Stable at room temperature but decomposes upon heating. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling at approximately 120C) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves in water with slight decomposition; solution may liberate oxygen and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1444
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use Level C minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) with a full face respirator, or Level B PPE with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) if a fire or significant decomposition is present.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1444 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).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1444 — Ammonium persulphateUse 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.