☣️ UN 1485 • CLASS 5

UN 1485 — Potassium chlorate

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.

Potassium chlorate is a white crystalline solid or powder with a cooling, saline taste, used in the production of matches, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices. It is classified as a DOT class 5 oxidizer and is widely used in various industrial applications. First responders may encounter potassium chlorate in the event of a fire or explosion, and it is essential to handle it with caution due to its potential to accelerate burning and decompose explosively when heated. The scale of production and transport of potassium chlorate is significant, and it is crucial for emergency responders to be aware of its hazards and take necessary precautions. Potassium chlorate is also known by its synonyms, including chlorate of potash, potassium chlorate(V), and potcrate. Its CAS number is 3811-04-9.

Hazard overview: Potassium chlorate is a strong oxidizer that can accelerate burning and decompose explosively when heated, with a boiling point of 400C (752F) where it decomposes. It may ignite combustibles, such as wood, paper, oil, and clothing, and can react explosively with hydrocarbons. The substance is odorless and has a cooling, saline taste. When involved in a fire, potassium chlorate can release toxic fumes, including chlorine and potassium oxide. The LC50 value for potassium chlorate is not available, but it is known to be highly toxic and can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. In a worst-case scenario, potassium chlorate can explode from heat or contamination, causing significant damage and harm to people and the environment.

Response guidance: In the event of a potassium chlorate spill or fire, it is essential to isolate the area, with an initial isolation distance of 50m in all directions, and consider evacuation if a tank or rail car is involved in the fire, with an isolation distance of 800m. Emergency responders should use water spray, dry chemical, or CO2 to suppress the fire, avoiding organic materials and combustibles near the oxidizer. Decontamination is crucial, and CHEMTREC should be contacted in case of an emergency. The use of SCBA and Level B minimum PPE is required, with a focus on avoiding all ignition sources and contamination with organics.

Firefighter training notes: Emergency responders should be trained to handle potassium chlorate with caution, with a focus on avoiding ignition sources and contamination with organics. A common tactical error is underestimating the potential for explosion and fire, and it is essential to have a clear understanding of the substance's hazards and risks. The ICS position needs to be aware of the potential for potassium chlorate to accelerate burning and decompose explosively, and mutual aid criteria should be established in case of a large-scale emergency.

Regulatory context: Potassium chlorate is classified as a DOT class 5 oxidizer, with a packing group that is not available. The OSHA PEL/TLV for potassium chlorate is not well-established, but it is known to be highly toxic and can cause severe health effects. The substance is not on the CERCLA list, but it is essential to handle it with caution due to its potential to accelerate burning and decompose explosively.

Storage & handling: Potassium chlorate should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials such as hydrocarbons and combustibles. The temperature limit for storage is not available, but it is essential to avoid heat sources and ignition sources. Ventilation standards should be followed, and containers should be designed to prevent contamination and leakage.

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UN 1485 Quick Details

UN 1485
Product name: Potassium chlorate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation

Common Hazards of UN 1485

  • 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

Potassium chlorate is a white crystalline solid or powder with a cooling, saline taste, and is odorless. It has a boiling point of 400C (752F) where it decomposes, and a vapor density that is not applicable due to its solid state. The substance is soluble in water, with no violent reaction but increases the oxidizing potential of the solution.

Also known asChlorate of potashPotassium chlorate(V)PotcrateBerthollet saltFekabit
CAS Number3811-04-9
AppearanceWhite crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Cooling, saline taste.
Flash PointNot applicable (oxidizing solid)
Boiling Point400C (752F) - decomposes
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivitySoluble in water; no violent reaction but increases oxidizing potential of solution
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1485

Extinguishing Media

Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics

The recommended PPE level for handling potassium chlorate is Level B minimum, with SCBA required, and avoiding all ignition sources and contamination with organics. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are mandatory, and emergency responders should be aware of the potential for skin irritation and respiratory problems.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).

First Actions for a UN 1485 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1485 — Potassium chlorate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1485 Product: Potassium chlorate Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140 PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation 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 1485 — Potassium chlorate Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140 Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Cooling, saline taste. Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; no violent reaction but increases oxidizing potential of solution Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; avoid organic materials and combustibles near oxidizer PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; avoid all ignition sources and contamination with organics Isolation: ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation — 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/1485 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

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

SMS (short)
UN1485 Potassium chlorate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: isolate 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 8 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1485SMS / 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/potassium-chlorate-un-1485

Related UN Numbers in Class 5

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 1485

UN 1485 potassium chlorate is not flammable, but it can accelerate burning and decompose explosively when heated. It is essential to handle it with caution due to its potential to ignite combustibles and react explosively with hydrocarbons.

The recommended PPE level for handling UN 1485 potassium chlorate is Level B minimum, with SCBA required, and avoiding all ignition sources and contamination with organics. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are mandatory.

Exposure to UN 1485 potassium chlorate can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. The substance is highly toxic and can cause explosions and fires, and it is essential to handle it with caution.

UN 1485 potassium chlorate is a white crystalline solid or powder with a cooling, saline taste, and is odorless. It is essential to be aware of its appearance and properties to handle it safely.

Water spray, dry chemical, or CO2 can be used to suppress a UN 1485 potassium chlorate fire, avoiding organic materials and combustibles near the oxidizer. It is essential to use large amounts of water to cool and dilute the substance.
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.