UN 1640 — Mercury oleate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1640 is Mercury oleate, a toxic mercury compound assigned to ERG Guide 151. It is usually a solid salt where dust, solution and runoff contamination are the major responder concerns.
Hazard overview: UN 1640 presents toxic mercury dust, ingestion, skin contact and contaminated-runoff hazards. Heating or fire may release mercury-containing fumes, and dry powder can contaminate clothing and equipment.
Response guidance: For a UN 1640 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. 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 1640 should emphasize mercury salt toxicity, dust or solution contamination, SCBA use, runoff containment, decontamination and waste-control coordination. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Mercury oleate is regulated as a toxic mercury hazardous material. Transportation, occupational exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental controls may vary by compound, 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: Mercury oleate 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, solution leaks and mercury-contaminated runoff.
UN 1640 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1640
- HIGHLY TOXIC mercury compound; may be harmful or fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, equipment and runoff.
- Fire or heating may produce toxic mercury fumes and irritating decomposition products.
- Runoff may pollute waterways and create persistent contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Specific toxicity, solubility and reactivity depend on the exact mercury compound.
- Avoid skin contact and prevent dust from becoming airborne.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to yellowish powder or crystalline solid with a faint fatty odor. Insoluble in water.
| Also known as | Oleic acid mercury saltMercury(II) oleateBis(9-octadecenoato)mercuryMercuric oleate |
| CAS Number | 1191-80-6 |
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder or crystalline solid with a faint fatty odor. Insoluble in water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1640
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; prevent skin contact and mercury-contaminated dust or runoff spread.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1640 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.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- 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 dust, vapor, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1640 — Mercury oleateUse 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.