UN 0305 — Flash powder
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0305 is Flash powder, 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 0305 is not normally treated as a mass explosion hazard when transported as classified, but it can burn intensely and may project fragments or ignite nearby explosive or pyrotechnic materials. Smoke can contain irritating or toxic combustion products, and damaged packages may increase the hazard.
Response guidance: For a UN 0305 incident, responders should confirm the article using shipping papers, markings and ERG Guide 112. Isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid smoke, control ignition sources when safe and determine whether higher-hazard explosives or larger quantities are also present before committing crews.
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: Flash powder 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: Flash powder 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 0305 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0305
- Fire and deflagration hazard; flash powder may ignite violently and produce intense heat and light.
- May project burning particles or fragments and ignite nearby pyrotechnic or combustible materials.
- Metal-fuel formulations may react poorly with unsuitable extinguishing agents.
- Smoke may contain irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Heat, friction, contamination or damaged packaging may increase ignition sensitivity.
- Large quantities can create severe fire exposure and require expanded isolation.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fine gray to silver metallic powder mixture, typically consisting of aluminum or magnesium metal with an oxidizer (usually potassium perchlorate). Odorless in pure form. Appears as loose granular or powdered solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Photoflash compositionPyrotechnic flash compositionMagnesium-based flash powderPerchlorate flash powder |
| Appearance | Fine gray to silver metallic powder mixture, typically consisting of aluminum or magnesium metal with an oxidizer (usually potassium perchlorate). Odorless in pure form. Appears as loose granular or powdered solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic solid - ignites upon suitable initiation) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid powder) |
| Water Reactivity | Avoid water contact with magnesium-based compositions; may react slowly producing hydrogen gas and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0305
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 0305 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.
- 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 0305 — Flash powderUse 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.