UN 1515 — Zinc permanganate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Zinc permanganate is a highly reactive substance used in various industrial applications. It is essential to handle this substance with caution to prevent accidents.
Hazard overview: Zinc permanganate can accelerate burning in fires and may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. It is also a substance that may release oxygen and heat on dissolution.
Response guidance: In case of a fire, use dry chemical, sand, and avoid organic materials near the fire. Isolate the spill or leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions.
UN 1515 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1515
- 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
Zinc permanganate is a purple to violet crystalline solid with an odorless odor.
| Also known as | Permanganic acid zinc saltZinc permanganate hexahydrateZinc dipermanganate |
| CAS Number | 23414-72-4 |
| Appearance | Purple to violet crystalline solid. Odorless. Typically supplied as a hexahydrate form. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; may release oxygen and heat on dissolution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1515
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit to prevent skin contact with oxidizer.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1515 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 1515 — Zinc permanganateUse 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.