UN 1496 — Sodium chlorite
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 143. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1496 is Sodium chlorite, a chlorine dioxide-releasing Class 5 oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 143. It can intensify fire and may release irritating/toxic gases if heated, acid-contaminated or decomposing.
Hazard overview: UN 1496 presents oxidizer, chlorine dioxide-type gas and contamination hazards. Keep it away from acids, fuels, organics and incompatible cleanup materials; control dust and runoff under incident command.
Response guidance: For a UN 1496 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 143. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, keep fuels and organics away, avoid contaminated absorbents and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on ERG, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1496 should emphasize oxidizer fire acceleration, chlorine/chlorine dioxide-type decomposition gases where applicable, incompatibility with fuels, acids and organics, dust control and runoff management. Use ERG 143, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Sodium chlorite 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 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: Sodium chlorite should be stored in compatible oxidizer storage away from acids, fuels, organic materials, reducing agents, ammonia compounds where incompatible, heat and contamination. Keep containers dry, closed, clearly labeled and separated from combustible packaging or spilled residues.
UN 1496 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1496
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- Heat, friction, contamination or confinement may increase decomposition or explosion risk.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing, packaging or contaminated absorbents.
- Chlorate, chlorite, bromate or hypochlorite oxidizers may react violently with fuels, organics, acids, sulfur, phosphorus or reducing agents.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may spread oxidizing material and create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Dust, solution or decomposition products may irritate or injure eyes, skin or respiratory tissue.
- Acid contact or decomposition may release chlorine or chlorine dioxide-type irritating/toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly greenish crystalline solid or pale yellow solution with a faint chlorine-like odor at room temperature.
| Also known as | Chlorous acid sodium saltSodium chlorite solutionTextoneAlcide |
| CAS Number | 7758-19-2 |
| Appearance | White to slightly greenish crystalline solid or pale yellow solution with a faint chlorine-like odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 180-200C (356-392F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; reacts with acids to release chlorine dioxide gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1496
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust, decomposition or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid dust inhalation and contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1496 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.
- Keep combustibles, fuels, organics, reducing agents and contaminated materials away from the spill.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds and prevent runoff from contacting combustibles, drains or incompatible materials when possible.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if large quantities, contamination, heating or container involvement are present.
- Use ERG Guide 143, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1496 — Sodium chloriteUse 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.