UN 1489 — Potassium perchlorate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Potassium perchlorate 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 perchlorate can accelerate burning when involved in a fire and may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. This can lead to severe consequences if not handled properly.
Response guidance: In the event of a fire involving potassium perchlorate, use water spray for cooling only and dry sand or earth for containment. Avoid using organic materials or combustibles as they can exacerbate the situation.
UN 1489 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1489
- 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 perchlorate appears as a white crystalline powder or colorless crystals, odorless, and solid at room temperature with a slightly saline taste.
| Also known as | Perchloric acid potassium saltPotassium chlorate (VII)Potassium hyperchlorateKClO4 |
| CAS Number | 7778-74-7 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or colorless crystals, odorless. Solid at room temperature with a slightly saline taste. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer, not combustible itself) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 400°C (752°F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid oxidizer) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water without significant exothermic reaction, but contaminated solutions may be reactive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1489
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
When handling potassium perchlorate, wear a Level B minimum PPE with SCBA and structural firefighter protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations only.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1489 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).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1489 — Potassium perchlorateUse 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.