☣️ UN 1502 • CLASS 5

UN 1502 — Sodium perchlorate

Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

🚒☣️
⚠️ 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 perchlorate is a highly reactive substance that can accelerate burning when involved in a fire. It is essential to take immediate action to prevent further damage.

Hazard overview: Sodium perchlorate can decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire, releasing toxic fumes. It is also highly hygroscopic, making it prone to absorbing moisture from the air.

Response guidance: In the event of a fire, use water spray for cooling and dry chemical or CO2 for small fires. Avoid using combustible materials and organic materials to prevent further ignition.

Advertisement

UN 1502 Quick Details

UN 1502
Product name: Sodium perchlorate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: Isolate spill area minimum 25m all directions. Fire: isolate 800m all directions. Consider evacuation 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire.

Common Hazards of UN 1502

  • 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 perchlorate is a white crystalline solid or granular powder that is odorless and highly hygroscopic.

Also known asPerchloric acid sodium saltSodium perchlorate anhydrousNatrium perchloratePerchlorate de sodium
CAS Number7601-89-0
AppearanceWhite crystalline solid or granular powder. Odorless. Highly hygroscopic. Decomposes when heated above 480°C.
Flash PointNot applicable (oxidizer solid)
Boiling PointNot applicable (decomposes at 480°C/896°F)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivityDissolves readily in water with no significant heat generation. Solution is a strong oxidizer.
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1502

Extinguishing Media

Water spray for cooling, dry chemical, CO2 for small fires. DO NOT use combustible materials. Avoid organic materials.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing and chemical-resistant gloves. Avoid contamination with combustibles.

When handling sodium perchlorate, wear Level B minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing and chemical-resistant gloves.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 140: Isolate spill area minimum 25m all directions. Fire: isolate 800m all directions. Consider evacuation 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).

First Actions for a UN 1502 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).
Advertisement

📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1502 — Sodium perchlorate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1502 Product: Sodium perchlorate Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140 PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing and chemical-resistant gloves. Avoid contamination with combustibles. ISOLATION: ERG 140: Isolate spill area minimum 25m all directions. Fire: isolate 800m all directions. Consider evacuation 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire. 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 1502 — Sodium perchlorate Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140 Appearance: White crystalline solid or granular powder. Odorless. Highly hygroscopic. Decomposes when heated above 480°C. Water Reactivity: Dissolves readily in water with no significant heat generation. Solution is a strong oxidizer. Extinguishing: Water spray for cooling, dry chemical, CO2 for small fires. DO NOT use combustible materials. Avoid organic materials. PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA. Full protective clothing and chemical-resistant gloves. Avoid contamination with combustibles. Isolation: ERG 140: Isolate spill area minimum 25m all directions. Fire: isolate 800m all directions. Consider evacuation 800m downwind if tank/rail car involved in fire. — 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/1502 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

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

SMS (short)
UN1502 Sodium perchlorate Cls5 ERG140 | ERG 140: Isolate spill area minimum 25m all directions. Fire: isolate 800m all d | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1502SMS / 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-perchlorate-un-1502

Related UN Numbers in Class 5

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1502

No, UN 1502 is not flammable, but it can accelerate burning when involved in a fire.

No, do not use water to extinguish a fire involving UN 1502, as it can react violently with the substance.

Wear Level B minimum PPE with a SCBA and full protective clothing and chemical-resistant gloves when handling UN 1502.
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.