☣️ UN 1481 • CLASS 5
UN 1481 — Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. 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.
Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s. are white to colorless crystalline solids or powders, odorless. They vary in appearance depending on the specific metal cation.
Hazard overview: These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Response guidance: Use water spray from a distance and dry sand to extinguish fires. Isolate the spill/leak 50m all directions and consider evacuation if necessary.
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UN 1481 Quick Details
UN 1481
Product name: Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill/leak 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 1481
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to colorless crystalline solids or powders, odorless. Vary in appearance depending on the specific metal cation.
| Also known as | Perchlorate saltsMetal perchloratesInorganic perchlorate compoundsPerchlorates NOS |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solids or powders, odorless. Vary in appearance depending on the specific metal cation. Most are hygroscopic and deliquescent. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic oxidizer) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; dissolution may generate heat. Contaminated solutions can become unstable. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1481
Extinguishing Media
Water spray from distance, dry sand. Do not use foam or combustible extinguishing agents.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA during fire or contamination scenarios; full face protection; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
Level B minimum with SCBA during fire or contamination scenarios; full face protection; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill/leak 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 1481 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
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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UN 1481 — Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1481
Product: Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA during fire or contamination scenarios; full face protection; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill/leak 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1481 — Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s.
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to colorless crystalline solids or powders, odorless. Vary in appearance depending on the specific metal cation. Most are hygroscopic and deliquescent.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; dissolution may generate heat. Contaminated solutions can become unstable.
Extinguishing: Water spray from distance, dry sand. Do not use foam or combustible extinguishing agents.
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA during fire or contamination scenarios; full face protection; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill/leak 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation 1600m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
• May explode from heat or contamination.
— First Actions —
• 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
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1481 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1481 Perchlorates, inorganic, n.o.s. Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1481SMS / 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/perchlorates-inorganic-n-o-un-1481
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1481
No, UN 1481 is a Class 5 oxidizer that accelerates burning but is not flammable itself.
Use water spray from a distance and dry sand to extinguish fires.
Yes, soluble in water; dissolution may generate heat. Contaminated solutions can become unstable.
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.