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.
Antimony compounds are highly toxic and corrosive substances that require immediate attention in case of exposure. It is essential to follow proper emergency procedures to minimize the risk of injury.
Hazard overview: Antimony compounds can cause severe injury through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. They can also release toxic, corrosive, or flammable gases when reacting with water or moist air.
Response guidance: In case of a spill, isolate the area and evacuate the immediate area if a large spill occurs. Wear Level B PPE, including a full-face SCBA and chemical-resistant suit, to prevent exposure.
UN 1549 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1549
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance
- Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases.
- Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.
- Fire will 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
- UN1802, UN2032, UN3084, UN3093, UN1796 (above 50%), UN1826 (above 50%), and UN2031 (above
- Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Antimony compounds vary in appearance and may be white, gray, or colorless crystalline solids or powders.
| 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
Wear Level B minimum PPE, including a full-face SCBA and chemical-resistant suit, to prevent exposure to antimony compounds.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1549 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
- 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
📋 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.