UN 1812 — Potassium fluoride, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1812 is Potassium fluoride, solid, a toxic fluoride solid assigned to ERG Guide 154. Dust, ingestion and contaminated runoff are the main responder concerns.
Hazard overview: UN 1812 presents toxic fluoride dust, corrosive solution and runoff hazards. Acid contact may release hydrogen fluoride-type fumes.
Response guidance: For a UN 1812 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 154. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1812 should emphasize corrosive exposure routes, water or oxidizer incompatibility where applicable, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and runoff containment. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Potassium fluoride, solid 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 concentration, formulation, 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 fluoride, solid 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 1812 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1812
- TOXIC fluoride salt; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with dust or solution may cause serious injury.
- Dust may irritate or injure eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Dissolves in water to form alkaline/corrosive fluoride solution; runoff may contaminate waterways.
- Acid contact may release corrosive and toxic hydrogen fluoride-type fumes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated powder.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air).
| Also known as | Potassium fluorideKFPotassium monofluorideFluoropotassium |
| CAS Number | 7789-23-3 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic solid) |
| Boiling Point | 1502C (2736F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves in water releasing heat; solution is highly alkaline and corrosive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1812
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid dust inhalation and fluoride-contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1812 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 or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust or splashes and prevent alkaline/corrosive runoff from entering drains.
- 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, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1812 — Potassium fluoride, solidUse 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.