UN 1549 — Antimony compound, inorganic, solid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 157. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1549 is Antimony compound, inorganic, solid, n.o.s., a toxic antimony material assigned to ERG Guide 157. The exact compound controls water reactivity and solubility, so responders should verify shipping papers and SDS.
Hazard overview: UN 1549 presents antimony dust, ingestion and skin-contact hazards. Some compounds may release corrosive fumes with moisture, while fire or runoff can spread toxic contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1549 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 dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1549 should emphasize toxic metal compound exposure, dust control, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 157, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Antimony compound, inorganic, solid, n.o.s. is regulated as a toxic hazardous material. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by compound, 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: Antimony compound, inorganic, solid, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from food, incompatible chemicals, heat and unauthorized access. Prevent dust release, leaks and contaminated runoff.
UN 1549 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1549
- TOXIC antimony compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury.
- Dust or solution contact may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Some inorganic antimony compounds may react with water or moist air to release corrosive fumes or heat.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control may carry toxic antimony contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Specific hazards depend on the exact antimony compound and solubility.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies by specific compound; typically white, gray, or colorless crystalline solids or powders. May be odorless or have slight characteristic odor depending on the antimony compound.
| Also known as | Antimony saltsAntimony compounds inorganicInorganic antimony derivativesAntimony-containing solids |
| Appearance | Varies by specific compound; typically white, gray, or colorless crystalline solids or powders. May be odorless or have slight characteristic odor depending on the antimony compound. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic solid) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by compound; many decompose before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Some antimony compounds react with water or moist air releasing toxic fumes and heat; antimony trichloride reacts violently with water producing hydrochloric acid and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1549
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 skin contact and contaminated dust or runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1549 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 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 157, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1549 — Antimony compound, inorganic, solid, n.oUse 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.