☣️ UN 0161 • CLASS 1
Powder, smokeless
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ 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 0161
Class: 1
Placard type: Explosive 1.3C
ERG: Guide 112 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; if fire or cargo on fire, evacuate 1600m (1 mile) in all directions; consider evacuation for 800m (0.5 mile) in all directions
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Smokeless powderNitrocellulose propellantGun powder (modern)Single-base powderDouble-base powderPropellant powder |
| Appearance | Granular or flake solid, typically gray to black in color, odorless or slight chemical odor. Dry propellant powder at room temperature composed of nitrocellulose with or without nitroglycerin and stabilizers. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but should be kept dry to prevent degradation |
| Extinguishing | Water in flooding quantities from distance, CO2, dry chemical; do not use direct water streams on burning material |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA required; maintain distance due to deflagration and fragment hazard |
| Isolation | ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; if fire or cargo on fire, evacuate 1600m (1 mile) in all directions; consider evacuation for 800m (0.5 mile) in all directions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
- Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
- May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
- Smoke and toxic combustion products.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Control ignition sources; deny entry.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
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UN 0161 — Powder, smokeless HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 0161
Product: Powder, smokeless
Class 1 / Explosive 1.3C / ERG 112
PPE: Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA required; maintain distance due to deflagration and fragment hazard
ISOLATION: ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; if fire or cargo on fire, evacuate 1600m (1 mile) in all directions; consider evacuation for 800m (0.5 mile) in all directions
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 0161 — Powder, smokeless
Class: 1 | Placard: Explosive 1.3C | ERG Guide: 112
Appearance: Granular or flake solid, typically gray to black in color, odorless or slight chemical odor. Dry propellant powder at room temperature composed of nitrocellulose with or without nitroglycerin and stabilizers.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but should be kept dry to prevent degradation
Extinguishing: Water in flooding quantities from distance, CO2, dry chemical; do not use direct water streams on burning material
PPE: Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA required; maintain distance due to deflagration and fragment hazard
Isolation: ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; if fire or cargo on fire, evacuate 1600m (1 mile) in all directions; consider evacuation for 800m (0.5 mile) in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
• Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
• May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
• Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
• Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
• Control ignition sources; deny entry.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0161 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN0161 Powder, smokeless Cls1 ERG112 | ERG 112: isolate 500m (1600 ft) all directions; if fire or cargo on fire, evacua | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0161SMS / 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/0161
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
Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion. Intense heat and possible fragment projection. May deflagrate and initiate other materials. Smoke and toxic combustion products.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard. Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA required; maintain distance due to deflagration and fragment hazard
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.