UN 0238 — Rockets, line-throwing
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0238 is Rockets, line-throwing, a Class 1 explosive article assigned to ERG Guide 112. It is primarily a fire and deflagration hazard, with intense heat, smoke and possible fragment projection if ignited.
Hazard overview: UN 0238 can burn or deflagrate with intense heat, flame, smoke and possible thrust or fragment projection. Rocket motors, propellant sections and expelling charges can behave unpredictably when heated or damaged, and nearby ammunition or explosives may increase the incident severity.
Response guidance: For a UN 0238 incident, responders should confirm the item using shipping papers, markings and ERG Guide 112. Isolate the area, avoid projection and exhaust paths, stay upwind, protect exposures only from a safe remote position and withdraw if fire involves the motor, charge or packaged articles.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize pyrotechnic and propellant fire behavior, fragment or thrust potential, smoke hazards and the risk of initiating nearby explosive articles. Common errors include approaching through smoke, standing in projection paths, underestimating packaged quantities and failing to expand isolation when fire spreads.
Regulatory context: Rockets, line-throwing 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: Rockets, line-throwing 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 0238 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0238
- Fire and deflagration hazard; rocket motors, expelling charges or pyrotechnic sections may burn intensely and project fragments.
- Burning propellant can produce extreme heat, flame, thrust, smoke and toxic combustion products.
- Items may move, rupture or project debris if heated, damaged or improperly oriented.
- May ignite nearby combustibles, ammunition, pyrotechnics or explosive articles.
- Not normally a mass explosion hazard when transported as classified, but large quantities can create severe fire exposure.
- Fire involvement may require expanded evacuation and remote operations.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid propellant rockets in cylindrical metal or composite casings, typically red or orange colored, designed to carry a line for rescue or mooring operations. Contains explosive propellant and may include pyrotechnic illuminating or signaling components.
| Also known as | Line-throwing rocketsDistress signal rocketsMarine line-throwing apparatusShip-to-ship line rockets |
| Appearance | Solid propellant rockets in cylindrical metal or composite casings, typically red or orange colored, designed to carry a line for rescue or mooring operations. Contains explosive propellant and may include pyrotechnic illuminating or signaling components. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid with self-contained oxidizer) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid explosive composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water, but moisture can degrade propellant over time; do not use water to extinguish burning rockets |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0238
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders should use structural firefighting gear with SCBA for smoke or fire exposure and maintain standoff distance from burning articles or packages. PPE does not replace evacuation if additional explosives or large quantities are involved.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0238 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, propellant or explosive material.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Isolate the area and check for nearby explosives, ammunition, rockets, propellants or pyrotechnic articles.
- Do not stand in line with rocket motors, exhaust paths, warheads or possible projection directions.
- Protect exposures only from a safe distance if directed by incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 112, shipping papers and incident command to set isolation and evacuation distances.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0238 — Rockets, line-throwingUse 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.