UN 1456 — Calcium permanganate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1456 is Calcium permanganate, a reactive Class 5 oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 140. It can release oxygen or oxidizing decomposition products when heated or contaminated.
Hazard overview: UN 1456 presents oxidizer, decomposition and contamination hazards. Fire may accelerate rapidly, and incompatible materials can cause violent reaction or toxic smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 1456 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 140. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on the ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1456 should emphasize oxidizer fire behavior, separation from fuels and organics, contamination control, dust avoidance, container-heating hazards and correct extinguishing decisions. Common errors include treating oxidizers like ordinary combustibles, mixing contaminated material and using incompatible cleanup methods. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Calcium permanganate is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, 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: Calcium permanganate should be stored in compatible oxidizer storage away from fuels, organic materials, reducing agents, acids where incompatible, heat, ignition sources and contamination. Keep containers closed, dry, clearly labeled and separated from combustible packaging or spilled residues.
UN 1456 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1456
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- May decompose violently when heated, contaminated or confined.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing or packaging.
- Reactive oxidizers may decompose with heat or contamination, releasing oxygen or other oxidizing gases.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Dust, solution or decomposition products may irritate or injure eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Violet to purple crystalline solid. Odorless. Soluble in water.
| Also known as | Calcium permanganatePermanganic acid calcium saltCalcium salt of permanganic acid |
| CAS Number | 10118-76-0 |
| Appearance | Violet to purple crystalline solid. Odorless. Soluble in water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, forming purple solution; contact with organic materials may cause ignition |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1456
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust, decomposition or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1456 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.
- Keep combustibles, fuels, organics, reducing agents and contaminated materials away from the spill.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds and prevent runoff from contacting combustibles or drains when possible.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if large quantities, contamination, heating or container involvement are present.
- Use ERG Guide 140, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1456 — Calcium permanganateUse 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.