☣️ UN 0290 • CLASS 1
Cord, detonating, metal clad
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. 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 0290
Class: 1
Placard type: Explosive 1.1D
ERG: Guide 112 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 112: Isolate 500 meters (1600 feet) in all directions. Evacuate 1600 meters (1 mile) if material is on fire or involved in fire. Mass explosion hazard exists.
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Detonating cordDet cordMetal-clad detonating cordPrimacord (metal clad)Explosive cordDetonating fuse metal covered |
| Appearance | Flexible cord containing a high explosive core (typically PETN) encased in a metal sheath, usually copper or aluminum. Appears as a metallic-covered rope or wire-like device. Room temperature solid. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive decomposes before melting) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may affect explosive reliability |
| Extinguishing | DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM. Withdrawal is the only safe approach. If fire is unavoidable, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles from maximum distance. |
| PPE | ⚠️ Full structural firefighting protective clothing provides limited protection. Withdrawal and evacuation are primary strategies. SCBA mandatory if entry required. |
| Isolation | ERG 112: Isolate 500 meters (1600 feet) in all directions. Evacuate 1600 meters (1 mile) if material is on fire or involved in fire. Mass explosion hazard exists. |
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 0290 — Cord, detonating, metal clad HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 0290
Product: Cord, detonating, metal clad
Class 1 / Explosive 1.1D / ERG 112
PPE: Full structural firefighting protective clothing provides limited protection. Withdrawal and evacuation are primary strategies. SCBA mandatory if entry required.
ISOLATION: ERG 112: Isolate 500 meters (1600 feet) in all directions. Evacuate 1600 meters (1 mile) if material is on fire or involved in fire. Mass explosion hazard exists.
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 0290 — Cord, detonating, metal clad
Class: 1 | Placard: Explosive 1.1D | ERG Guide: 112
Appearance: Flexible cord containing a high explosive core (typically PETN) encased in a metal sheath, usually copper or aluminum. Appears as a metallic-covered rope or wire-like device. Room temperature solid.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but moisture may affect explosive reliability
Extinguishing: DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM. Withdrawal is the only safe approach. If fire is unavoidable, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles from maximum distance.
PPE: Full structural firefighting protective clothing provides limited protection. Withdrawal and evacuation are primary strategies. SCBA mandatory if entry required.
Isolation: ERG 112: Isolate 500 meters (1600 feet) in all directions. Evacuate 1600 meters (1 mile) if material is on fire or involved in fire. Mass explosion hazard exists.
— 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/0290 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN0290 Cord, detonating, metal clad Cls1 ERG112 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0290SMS / 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/0290
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.
Full structural firefighting protective clothing provides limited protection. Withdrawal and evacuation are primary strategies. SCBA mandatory if entry required.
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.