POTASSIUM NITRATE AND SODIUM NITRITE MIXTURE

A white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but will accelerate the burning of combustible material. If large quantities are involved in the fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. If contaminated by ammonium compounds, spontaneous decomposition can occur and the resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires.

• Strong Oxidizing Agent

Water soluble.

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

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. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2020)

An oxidizing agent. Reacts with combustible and reducing substances causing fire and explosion hazards [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980. p. 852]. Reacts with acids to form toxic nitrogen dioxide gas. Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates and nitrites; 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 violent explosion occurs if an ammonium salt is melted with a nitrite salt [Von Schwartz 1918. p. 299]. A mixture of potassium cyanide and nitrite salts may cause an explosion [Pieters 1957. p. 30]. A mixture of antimony trisulfide and potassium nitrate explodes at a red heat [Mellor 9:524 1946-47]. Arsenic disulfide forms explosive mixtures 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 constitute 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)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)

No information available.

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)

• POTASSIUM NITRATE AND SODIUM NITRITE MIXTURE
• POTASSIUM NITRATE-SODIUM NITRITE MIXTURE