☣️ UN 1492 • CLASS 5
UN 1492 — Potassium persulphate
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 persulphate is a highly reactive and highly oxidizing substance that can accelerate burning when involved in a fire and may decompose explosively when heated.
Hazard overview: These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire and some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Response guidance: Use water spray to keep containers cool and dry chemical or CO2 for small fires. Avoid organic materials.
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UN 1492 Quick Details
UN 1492
Product name: Potassium persulphate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m downwind for large spills during day
Common Hazards of UN 1492
- 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
White crystalline powder or granular solid, odorless, stable at room temperature but decomposes when heated.
| Also known as | Potassium peroxydisulfateDipotassium persulfatePotassium peroxydisulphateAnthion |
| CAS Number | 7727-21-1 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granular solid, odorless. Stable at room temperature but decomposes when heated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at approximately 100C (212F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; aqueous solutions may slowly decompose releasing oxygen |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1492
Extinguishing Media
Water spray to keep containers cool; dry chemical or CO2 for small fires; avoid organic materials
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire involvement or confined space
Level C minimum with full face respirator or Level B with SCBA if fire involvement or confined space.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 140: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m downwind for large spills during day
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).
First Actions for a UN 1492 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 1492 — Potassium persulphateHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1492
Product: Potassium persulphate
Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire involvement or confined space
ISOLATION: ERG 140: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m downwind for large spills during day
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 1492 — Potassium persulphate
Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granular solid, odorless. Stable at room temperature but decomposes when heated.
Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; aqueous solutions may slowly decompose releasing oxygen
Extinguishing: Water spray to keep containers cool; dry chemical or CO2 for small fires; avoid organic materials
PPE: Level C minimum with full face respirator; Level B with SCBA if fire involvement or confined space
Isolation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100m downwind for large spills during day
— 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/1492 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1492 Potassium persulphate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 100 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1492SMS / 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-persulphate-un-1492
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1492
Yes, UN 1492 will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
May decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Level C minimum with full face respirator or Level B with SCBA if fire involvement or confined space.
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.