☣️ UN 1486 • CLASS 5
UN 1486 — Potassium nitrate
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 nitrate is a highly reactive substance that can accelerate burning when involved in a fire. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when handling this substance.
Hazard overview: Potassium nitrate can accelerate burning when involved in a fire and may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Response guidance: Use water spray, dry chemical, or CO2 to extinguish fires, avoiding combustibles. Keep a safe distance and avoid contact with the substance.
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UN 1486 Quick Details
UN 1486
Product name: Potassium nitrate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
Common Hazards of UN 1486
- 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 nitrate is a white to colorless crystalline solid or powder with an odorless appearance.
| Also known as | SaltpeterSaltpetreNiterNitreKNO3 |
| CAS Number | 7757-79-1 |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Commonly appears as translucent crystals or granular material at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 400C (752F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water with no significant hazardous reaction; however, dissolution is endothermic and may lower solution temperature. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1486
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam generally not required for solid oxidizer but water may be used to cool containers
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles
Wear Level C minimum personal protective equipment, including a full face respirator, or Level B with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) if fire or decomposition products are present.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 1486 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 1486 — Potassium nitrateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1486
Product: Potassium nitrate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles
ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
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 1486 — Potassium nitrate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White to colorless crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Commonly appears as translucent crystals or granular material at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water with no significant hazardous reaction; however, dissolution is endothermic and may lower solution temperature.
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam generally not required for solid oxidizer but water may be used to cool containers
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition products present; avoid contact with combustibles
Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m
— 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/1486 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1486 Potassium nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: isolate spill area 25-50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1486SMS / 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-nitrate-un-1486
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1486
No, but it accelerates burning when involved in a fire.
Yes, but avoid combustibles near the oxidizer.
Level C minimum, including a full face respirator, or Level B with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) if fire or decomposition products are present.
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.