UN 0066 — Cord, igniter
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0066 is Cord, igniter, a Class 1.3G pyrotechnic explosive article assigned to ERG Guide 112. It is designed to burn with intense heat and flame to ignite other materials.
Hazard overview: UN 0066 is mainly a fire and deflagration hazard rather than a mass explosion hazard. Burning igniter cord can project flame, heat, fragments and smoke, and it may initiate nearby pyrotechnic or explosive materials if separation is poor.
Response guidance: For a UN 0066 incident, responders should confirm the article using shipping papers, package markings and ERG Guide 112. Isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition sources when safe, avoid smoke and determine whether higher-hazard explosives are also present before committing crews.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize pyrotechnic fire behavior, fragment potential and the possibility of initiating nearby explosives. Common errors include focusing only on the cord while missing adjacent magazines, approaching through smoke and underestimating how quickly burning can spread through packaged pyrotechnic articles.
Regulatory context: Cord, igniter is regulated as a Class 1 explosive article. Transportation, storage, quantity and fire code requirements may apply depending on packaging and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, product documents and applicable DOT, ATF, OSHA, NFPA or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Igniter cord should be stored in approved packaging or explosive storage areas, away from heat, sparks, flame, friction, incompatible explosives and unauthorized access. Keep packages dry, protected from physical damage and segregated according to explosive compatibility requirements.
UN 0066 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0066
- Fire and deflagration hazard; not normally a mass explosion hazard.
- Burning cord may produce intense heat, flame and localized fragment projection.
- May ignite or initiate nearby pyrotechnic, propellant or explosive materials.
- Smoke may contain irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Heat, flame, sparks or impact may increase the chance of ignition.
- Fire involvement may require expanded evacuation if other explosives are nearby.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Flexible cord or tube containing pyrotechnic composition, typically gray or black in color. Burns with intense flame and heat at controlled rate.
| Also known as | igniter cordsafety fusepyrotechnic ignition corddetonating cord igniter |
| Appearance | Flexible cord or tube containing pyrotechnic composition, typically gray or black in color. Burns with intense flame and heat at controlled rate. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid pyrotechnic) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but composition may be moisture-sensitive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0066
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders should use structural firefighting gear with SCBA for smoke or fire exposure and maintain standoff distance from burning cord or packages. PPE does not replace evacuation if other explosives are involved.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0066 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry.
- Stage upwind and avoid smoke from burning pyrotechnic material.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Isolate the area and check for nearby explosives, fireworks or pyrotechnic articles.
- Use ERG Guide 112, shipping papers and incident command to set isolation and evacuation distances.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0066 — Cord, igniterUse 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.