UN 1471 — Lithium hypochlorite mixture
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1471 is Lithium hypochlorite mixture, a chlorine-releasing Class 5 oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 140. It can intensify fire and may release irritating chlorine-type gases if heated, wetted, acid-contaminated or decomposing.
Hazard overview: UN 1471 presents oxidizer, chlorine-type gas and contamination hazards. Keep it away from acids, fuels, organics and incompatible cleanup materials; control dust and runoff under incident command.
Response guidance: For a UN 1471 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 140. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, keep fuels and organics away, avoid contaminated absorbents and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1471 should emphasize oxidizer fire acceleration, chlorine/chlorine dioxide-type decomposition gases where applicable, incompatibility with fuels, acids and organics, dust control and runoff management. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Lithium hypochlorite mixture 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: Lithium hypochlorite mixture should be stored in compatible oxidizer storage away from acids, fuels, organic materials, reducing agents, ammonia compounds where incompatible, heat and contamination. Keep containers dry, closed, clearly labeled and separated from combustible packaging or spilled residues.
UN 1471 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1471
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- Heat, friction, contamination or confinement may increase decomposition or explosion risk.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing, packaging or contaminated absorbents.
- Chlorate, chlorite, bromate or hypochlorite mixtures may react violently with fuels, organics, acids, sulfur, phosphorus or reducing agents.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may spread oxidizing material and create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Dust, solution or decomposition products may irritate or injure eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
- Acid contact or decomposition may release chlorine or chlorine dioxide-type irritating/toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to gray-white granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine-like odor. Hygroscopic material that may cake or form lumps when exposed to moisture.
| Also known as | Lithium hypochloriteLithium oxychlorideHypochlorous acid lithium saltLithium chlorate(I) |
| Appearance | White to gray-white granular solid or powder with a strong chlorine-like odor. Hygroscopic material that may cake or form lumps when exposed to moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing chlorine gas and heat; may ignite combustible materials |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1471
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; avoid dust inhalation and contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1471 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, drains or incompatible materials 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 1471 — Lithium hypochlorite mixtureUse 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.