UN 1870 — Potassium borohydride
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1870 is Potassium borohydride, a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 138. Responders should verify the exact product with shipping papers, package markings and SDS before close action.
Hazard overview: UN 1870 presents hazards that depend on formulation, packaging and incident conditions. Use ERG, SDS and incident command to set isolation, PPE and control actions.
Response guidance: For a UN 1870 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 138. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1870 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 138, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Potassium borohydride 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, concentration, 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: Potassium borohydride should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, dry, well-ventilated hazardous-material area according to SDS and local procedures.
UN 1870 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1870
- Flammable or combustible solid; may ignite by heat, sparks, friction or flames.
- May burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Specific hazards depend on material form, contamination and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to grayish-white crystalline powder or pellets. Odorless or slight ammonia-like odor. Solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Potassium tetrahydroboratePotassium tetrahydridoborateKBH4Borohydride potassium |
| CAS Number | 13762-51-1 |
| Appearance | White to grayish-white crystalline powder or pellets. Odorless or slight ammonia-like odor. Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (water-reactive solid that produces flammable hydrogen gas) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes above 500C (932F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously with water producing flammable hydrogen gas; may ignite spontaneously in moist air |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1870
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use protective equipment selected from SDS, monitoring results and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1870 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, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- 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 vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 138, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1870 — Potassium borohydrideUse 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.