☣️ UN 1640 • CLASS 6

UN 1640 — Mercury oleate

Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

Mercury oleate is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe health effects if not handled properly. It is essential to take immediate action in case of an emergency.

Hazard overview: Mercury oleate is highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. It is also highly toxic if ingested or absorbed through skin.

Response guidance: In case of an emergency, evacuate the area immediately and provide medical attention if exposed. Wear Level B minimum with SCBA and full chemical-resistant suit to prevent exposure.

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UN 1640 Quick Details

UN 1640
Product name: Mercury oleate
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 151 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions

Common Hazards of UN 1640

  • Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
  • Avoid any skin contact.
  • Fire may 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
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Runoff may pollute waterways.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Mercury oleate is a white to yellowish powder or crystalline solid with a faint fatty odor and is insoluble in water.

Also known asOleic acid mercury saltMercury(II) oleateBis(9-octadecenoato)mercuryMercuric oleate
CAS Number1191-80-6
AppearanceWhite to yellowish powder or crystalline solid with a faint fatty odor. Insoluble in water.
Flash PointNot applicable (solid)
Boiling PointNot applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water, but insoluble
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1640

Extinguishing Media

Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; water spray may be used to cool containers

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit required; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity

Wear Level B minimum with SCBA and full chemical-resistant suit to prevent exposure to mercury oleate.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 151).

First Actions for a UN 1640 Incident

  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • 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
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1640 — Mercury oleate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1640 Product: Mercury oleate Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151 PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit required; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity ISOLATION: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1640 — Mercury oleate Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151 Appearance: White to yellowish powder or crystalline solid with a faint fatty odor. Insoluble in water. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but insoluble Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand; water spray may be used to cool containers PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full chemical-resistant suit required; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity Isolation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions — Key Hazards — • Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. • Avoid any skin contact. • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. — First Actions — • Keep unauthorized personnel away. • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1640 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1640 Mercury oleate Cls6 ERG151 | ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; if tank/rail car inv | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1640SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/mercury-oleate-un-1640

Related UN Numbers in Class 6

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1640

No, UN 1640 Mercury oleate is not flammable.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.