UN 1498 — Sodium nitrate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1498 is Sodium nitrate, a Class 5 nitrate/nitrite oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 140. It can intensify fire and may decompose when heated or contaminated.
Hazard overview: UN 1498 presents oxidizer, heating and contamination hazards. Keep away from fuels, organics and reducing agents, and control dust or runoff according to SDS and incident command.
Response guidance: For a UN 1498 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 140. 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 1498 should emphasize oxidizer fire behavior, separation from fuels and organics, contamination control, dust avoidance, container-heating hazards and correct extinguishing decisions. Common errors include treating oxidizers like ordinary combustibles and using contaminated absorbents. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Sodium nitrate 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 nitrate should be stored in compatible oxidizer storage away from fuels, organic materials, reducing agents, acids where incompatible, heat, ignition sources and contamination. Keep containers closed, dry, clearly labeled and separated from combustible packaging or spilled residues.
UN 1498 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1498
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- Heating or confinement may cause decomposition and pressure buildup.
- May ignite combustibles such as wood, paper, oil, clothing, packaging or contaminated absorbents.
- Nitrates and nitrites may react dangerously with fuels, organic materials, reducing agents or contamination.
- 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic and may form caked masses when exposed to moisture.
| Also known as | Nitric acid sodium saltSoda niterChile saltpeterCubic niter |
| CAS Number | 7631-99-4 |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic and may form caked masses when exposed to moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid, non-flammable but accelerates combustion) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes above 380C/716F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, exothermic dissolution. No violent reaction but solution is oxidizing. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1498
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 and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1498 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 140, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1498 — Sodium nitrateUse 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.