☣️ UN 1498 • CLASS 5

UN 1498 — Sodium 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.

Sodium nitrate is a white to colorless crystalline solid, used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial applications. It is classified as a DOT class 5 oxidizer and is widely used in various industries. First responders may encounter sodium nitrate in the event of a fire or explosion, and it is essential to handle it with caution due to its potential to accelerate burning and decompose explosively when heated. The scale of production and transport of sodium nitrate is significant, and it is crucial for emergency responders to be aware of its hazards and take necessary precautions. Sodium nitrate is also known by its synonyms, including nitric acid sodium salt, soda niter, and Chile saltpeter. Its CAS number is 7631-99-4.

Hazard overview: Sodium nitrate is a strong oxidizer that can accelerate burning and decompose explosively when heated, with a boiling point that is not applicable due to its decomposition above 380C (716F). It may ignite combustibles, such as wood, paper, oil, and clothing, and can react explosively with hydrocarbons. The substance is odorless and has a hygroscopic property, which can cause it to form caked masses when exposed to moisture. When involved in a fire, sodium nitrate can release toxic fumes, including nitrogen oxides and sodium oxide. The LC50 value for sodium nitrate is not available, but it is known to be highly toxic and can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. In a worst-case scenario, sodium nitrate can explode from heat or contamination, causing significant damage and harm to people and the environment.

Response guidance: In the event of a sodium nitrate spill or fire, it is essential to isolate the area, with an initial isolation distance of 100m in all directions, and consider evacuation if a fire or large spill occurs, with an isolation distance of 800m downwind in daytime, and 1600m at night. Emergency responders should use water spray, dry chemical, or CO2 to suppress the fire, avoiding organic materials and combustibles near the oxidizer. Decontamination is crucial, and CHEMTREC should be contacted in case of an emergency. The use of SCBA and Level C minimum PPE is required for handling, with a focus on avoiding all ignition sources and contamination with organics.

Firefighter training notes: Emergency responders should be trained to handle sodium nitrate with caution, with a focus on avoiding ignition sources and contamination with organics. A common tactical error is underestimating the potential for explosion and fire, and it is essential to have a clear understanding of the substance's hazards and risks. The ICS position needs to be aware of the potential for sodium nitrate to accelerate burning and decompose explosively, and mutual aid criteria should be established in case of a large-scale emergency.

Regulatory context: Sodium nitrate is classified as a DOT class 5 oxidizer, with a packing group that is not available. The OSHA PEL/TLV for sodium nitrate is not well-established, but it is known to be highly toxic and can cause severe health effects. The substance is not on the CERCLA list, but it is essential to handle it with caution due to its potential to accelerate burning and decompose explosively.

Storage & handling: Sodium nitrate should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials such as hydrocarbons and combustibles. The temperature limit for storage is not available, but it is essential to avoid heat sources and ignition sources. Ventilation standards should be followed, and containers should be designed to prevent contamination and leakage.

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UN 1498 Quick Details

UN 1498
Product name: Sodium nitrate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night

Common Hazards of UN 1498

  • 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 nitrate is a white to colorless crystalline solid, odorless, and has a hygroscopic property, which can cause it to form caked masses when exposed to moisture. It has a boiling point that is not applicable due to its decomposition above 380C (716F), and a vapor density that is not applicable due to its solid state. The substance is soluble in water, with an exothermic dissolution, and no violent reaction but the solution is oxidizing.

Also known asNitric acid sodium saltSoda niterChile saltpeterCubic niter
CAS Number7631-99-4
AppearanceWhite to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic and may form caked masses when exposed to moisture.
Flash PointNot applicable (oxidizing solid, non-flammable but accelerates combustion)
Boiling PointNot applicable (decomposes above 380C/716F)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivitySoluble in water, exothermic dissolution. No violent reaction but solution is oxidizing.
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1498

Extinguishing Media

Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Use large amounts of water to cool and dilute. Avoid organic materials and combustibles.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level C minimum for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory.

The recommended PPE level for handling sodium nitrate is Level C minimum for handling, with Level B and SCBA required if fire or decomposition is involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are mandatory, and emergency responders should be aware of the potential for skin irritation and respiratory problems.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).

First Actions for a UN 1498 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 1498 — Sodium nitrate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1498 Product: Sodium nitrate Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140 PPE: Level C minimum for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory. ISOLATION: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1498 — Sodium nitrate Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140 Appearance: White to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic and may form caked masses when exposed to moisture. Water Reactivity: Soluble in water, exothermic dissolution. No violent reaction but solution is oxidizing. Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2. Use large amounts of water to cool and dilute. Avoid organic materials and combustibles. PPE: Level C minimum for handling; Level B with SCBA if fire or decomposition involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection mandatory. Isolation: ERG 140: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or large spill, evacuate 800m downwind in daytime, consider 1600m at night — 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/sodium-nitrate-un-1498 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1498 Sodium nitrate Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/sodium-nitrate-un-1498SMS / 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/sodium-nitrate-un-1498

Related UN Numbers in Class 5

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1498

UN 1498 sodium nitrate is not flammable, but it can accelerate burning and decompose explosively when heated. It is essential to handle it with caution due to its potential to ignite combustibles and react explosively with hydrocarbons.

The recommended PPE level for handling UN 1498 sodium nitrate is Level C minimum for handling, with Level B and SCBA required if fire or decomposition is involved. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are mandatory.

Exposure to UN 1498 sodium nitrate can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. The substance is highly toxic and can cause explosions and fires, and it is essential to handle it with caution.

UN 1498 sodium nitrate is a white to colorless crystalline solid, odorless, and has a hygroscopic property, which can cause it to form caked masses when exposed to moisture. It is essential to be aware of its appearance and properties to handle it safely.

Water spray, dry chemical, or CO2 can be used to suppress a UN 1498 sodium nitrate fire, avoiding organic materials and combustibles near the oxidizer. It is essential to use large amounts of water to cool and dilute the substance.
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.