UN 1494 — Sodium bromate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Sodium bromate is a white to off-white crystalline powder or granular solid that is stable at room temperature but decomposes when heated. It is used as a catalyst in various industrial processes.
Hazard overview: Sodium bromate can accelerate burning when involved in a fire, and some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. It is also highly reactive and can cause violent reactions when mixed with certain substances.
Response guidance: In the event of a fire, use water spray and dry chemical to extinguish, but avoid using combustible materials or organic matter. If the substance is spilled, wear Level B minimum personal protective equipment, including a SCBA and chemical-resistant suit.
UN 1494 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1494
- 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
Sodium bromate is a white to off-white crystalline powder or granular solid that is odorless and stable at room temperature.
| Also known as | Sodium bromateBromic acid sodium saltNaBrO3 |
| CAS Number | 7789-38-0 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder or granular solid, odorless. Stable at room temperature but decomposes when heated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, no violent reaction but creates oxidizing solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1494
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Wear Level B minimum personal protective equipment, including a SCBA and chemical-resistant suit, when handling sodium bromate.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1494 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 1494 — Sodium bromateUse 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.