☣️ UN 0160 • CLASS 1
Powder, smokeless
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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.
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Quick details
UN 0160
Class: 1
Placard type: Explosive 1.1C
ERG: Guide 112 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; evacuate 1600m (1 mile) downwind if fire; mass explosion hazard requires maximum standoff distance
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Smokeless powderNitrocellulose-based propellantGun powder (modern)Propellant powderNitrocellulose powder |
| Appearance | Gray to black granular or flake solid powder with little to no odor. Manufactured propellant for firearms and ammunition, typically appearing as uniform granules or flakes. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture can affect stability over time |
| Extinguishing | Do not use water or foam on fires; use dry chemical, sand, or smother; flooding quantities of water may be used from safe distance |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighter gear inadequate for explosive incidents; approach from upwind/upgrade only |
| Isolation | ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; evacuate 1600m (1 mile) downwind if fire; mass explosion hazard requires maximum standoff distance |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously.
- Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation.
- Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
- Secondary fire and debris hazard.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions.
- Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement + additional resources immediately.
- Do not fight fire — evacuate and isolate; let burn if no life safety risk.
- Protect exposures only if safe and directed by command.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
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UN 0160 — Powder, smokeless HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 0160
Product: Powder, smokeless
Class 1 / Explosive 1.1C / ERG 112
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighter gear inadequate for explosive incidents; approach from upwind/upgrade only
ISOLATION: ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; evacuate 1600m (1 mile) downwind if fire; mass explosion hazard requires maximum standoff distance
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 0160 — Powder, smokeless
Class: 1 | Placard: Explosive 1.1C | ERG Guide: 112
Appearance: Gray to black granular or flake solid powder with little to no odor. Manufactured propellant for firearms and ammunition, typically appearing as uniform granules or flakes.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but moisture can affect stability over time
Extinguishing: Do not use water or foam on fires; use dry chemical, sand, or smother; flooding quantities of water may be used from safe distance
PPE: Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighter gear inadequate for explosive incidents; approach from upwind/upgrade only
Isolation: ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; evacuate 1600m (1 mile) downwind if fire; mass explosion hazard requires maximum standoff distance
— Key Hazards —
• Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously.
• Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation.
• Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
• Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions.
• Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
• Request Hazmat + law enforcement + additional resources immediately.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0160 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN0160 Powder, smokeless Cls1 ERG112 | ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; evacuate 1600m (1 mile) downwind | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0160SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0160
Related UN numbers (same class)
Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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FAQ
Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously. Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation. Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. Secondary fire and debris hazard.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions. Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
Level B minimum with full face SCBA; structural firefighter gear inadequate for explosive incidents; approach from upwind/upgrade only
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 112 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
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.