UN 1516 — Zinc peroxide
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 143. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1516 At a Glance
UN 1516 (Zinc peroxide) is listed as DOT Class 5 Oxidizer and is assigned to ERG Guide 143. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 1516 is Zinc peroxide, a Class 5 peroxide or persulfate oxidizer assigned to ERG Guide 143. It can release oxygen or reactive decomposition products and intensify nearby fires.
Hazard overview: UN 1516 presents oxidizer, oxygen-release and decomposition hazards. Heat, moisture, contamination or fuels can increase fire intensity and runoff may become contaminated or reactive.
Response guidance: For a UN 1516 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 143. 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 1516 should emphasize oxidizer fire behavior, separation from fuels and organics, contamination control, dust avoidance, container-heating hazards and correct extinguishing decisions. Use ERG 143, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Zinc peroxide 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 peroxide 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 1516 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1516
- OXIDIZER: may intensify fire and accelerate burning of combustible materials.
- May decompose with heat or contamination, increasing oxygen release and fire intensity.
- Peroxides and persulfates may release oxygen or reactive decomposition products when heated, wetted or contaminated.
- 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 yellowish-white odorless powder. Insoluble in water. Oxidizing solid that decomposes upon heating.
| Also known as | Zinc dioxidePeroxide of zincZinc superoxideZinc(II) peroxide |
| CAS Number | 1314-22-3 |
| Appearance | White to yellowish-white odorless powder. Insoluble in water. Oxidizing solid that decomposes upon heating. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid, no flash point) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at 150C/302F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but may decompose slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1516
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 1516 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 143, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1516 — Zinc peroxideUse 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.