☣️ UN 1515 • CLASS 5

UN 1515 — Zinc permanganate

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.

UN 1515 is Zinc permanganate, a Class 5 permanganate oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 140. It can intensify fire and react dangerously with organics, acids or reducing agents.

Hazard overview: UN 1515 presents oxidizer, contamination and toxic smoke/runoff hazards. Keep away from fuels, organic material and reducing agents, and prevent dust or solution from reaching drains where possible.

Response guidance: For a UN 1515 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 140. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact and choose extinguishing or spill-control actions based on ERG, SDS and local SOP.

Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1515 should emphasize oxidizer fire behavior, separation from fuels and organics, contamination control, dust avoidance, container-heating hazards and correct extinguishing decisions. Use ERG 140, SDS and local SOP.

Regulatory context: Zinc permanganate 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: Zinc permanganate 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.

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UN 1515 Quick Details

UN 1515
Product name: Zinc permanganate
DOT Class: 5
Placard type: Oxidizer
ERG Guide: 140 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation 800m

Common Hazards of UN 1515

  • OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
  • May decompose or react vigorously if heated or contaminated.
  • Permanganates may react violently with organic materials, acids, reducing agents, sulfur or finely divided combustibles.
  • 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.
  • Permanganate dust or strong solution may stain and irritate skin, eyes and respiratory tissue.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Purple to violet crystalline solid. Odorless. Typically supplied as a hexahydrate form.

Also known asPermanganic acid zinc saltZinc permanganate hexahydrateZinc dipermanganate
CAS Number23414-72-4
AppearancePurple to violet crystalline solid. Odorless. Typically supplied as a hexahydrate form.
Flash PointNot applicable (oxidizing solid)
Boiling PointNot applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivitySoluble in water; may release oxygen and heat on dissolution
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1515

Extinguishing Media

Use water spray or flooding water from a protected position when ERG, SDS and incident command confirm it is appropriate. Keep the material away from fuels, organics and contaminated absorbents; avoid agents that add incompatible contamination or fail to control oxidizer-supported fire.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit to prevent skin contact with oxidizer

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

ERG 140: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 140).

First Actions for a UN 1515 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.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1515 — Zinc permanganate
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1515 Product: Zinc permanganate Class 5 / Oxidizer / ERG 140 PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit to prevent skin contact with oxidizer ISOLATION: ERG 140: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation 800m 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 1515 — Zinc permanganate Class: 5 | Placard: Oxidizer | ERG Guide: 140 Appearance: Purple to violet crystalline solid. Odorless. Typically supplied as a hexahydrate form. Water Reactivity: Soluble in water; may release oxygen and heat on dissolution Extinguishing: Use water spray or flooding water from a protected position when ERG, SDS and incident command confirm it is appropriate. Keep the material away from fuels, organics and contaminated absorbents; avoid agents that add incompatible contamination or fail to control oxidizer-supported fire. PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit to prevent skin contact with oxidizer Isolation: ERG 140: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation 800m — Key Hazards — • OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials. • May decompose or react vigorously if heated or contaminated. • Permanganates may react violently with organic materials, acids, reducing agents, sulfur or finely divided combustibles. — First Actions — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/zinc-permanganate-un-1515 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

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

SMS (short)
UN1515 Zinc permanganate Cls5 ERG140 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/zinc-permanganate-un-1515SMS / 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/zinc-permanganate-un-1515

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 1515

UN 1515 is Zinc permanganate, a Class 5 oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 140.

No. It is not normally flammable, but it can strongly accelerate burning of other materials.

ERG Guide 140 applies to UN 1515 for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

UN 1515 presents oxidizer, contamination and toxic smoke/runoff hazards. Keep away from fuels, organic material and reducing agents, and prevent dust or solution from reaching drains where possible.

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.

Fuels, organic material, reducing agents or contaminated absorbents can react violently with oxidizers and may increase fire, decomposition or explosion risk.
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.