POTASSIUM NITRATE

A white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers.

• Strong Oxidizing Agent

Soluble in water.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: May produce toxic nitrogen oxides upon decomposition.

Behavior in Fire: Strong oxidizer which may react explosively when mixed with reducing agents. Mixture may detonate by heat or shock. Increases the flammability of any combustible material. (USCG, 1999)

Exposure can cause mild irritation of eyes, nose and throat. (USCG, 1999)

POTASSIUM NITRATE mixed with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979. p. 108-109]. Powdered antimony mixed with potassium nitrate explodes when heated [Mellor 9:282 1946-47]. A mixture of antimony trisulfide and potassium nitrate explodes at a red heat [Mellor 9:524. 1946-47]. Arsenic disulfide forms explosive mixtures when mixed with potassium nitrate, [Mellor 9:270.1946-47]. A mixture of sodium acetate and potassium nitrate may cause an explosion [Pieters 1957. p. 30]. A mixture of potassium nitrate and sodium hypophosphite constitutes a powerful explosive [Mellor 8:881. 1946-47]. A mixture of powdered zirconium and potassium nitrate explodes when heated above the melting point [Mellor 7:116. 1946-47].

• Nitrate and Nitrite Compounds, Inorganic

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate is in a tank, rail car or tank truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

Full cover clothing and chemical goggles. Use approved respirator to protect against dust. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

Get medical attention.

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air.

EYES: Flush with water for at least 15 min., lifting lids occasionally.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush with water. (USCG, 1999)

• COLLO-BO
• DEXOL STUMP REMOVER
• NITER
• NITRE
• NITRIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT (1:1)
• NITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT
• POTASH NITRATE
• POTASSIUM NITRATE
• SALTPETER