UN 0316 — Fuzes, igniting
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0316 is Fuzes, igniting, 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 0316 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 0316 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: Fuzes, igniting 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: Fuzes, igniting 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 0316 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0316
- Fire and deflagration hazard; not normally a mass explosion hazard when transported as classified.
- Burning material may produce intense heat, flame, sparks, smoke and localized fragment projection.
- May ignite or initiate nearby pyrotechnic, propellant or explosive materials.
- Smoke may contain irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Heat, flame, sparks, impact or damaged packaging may increase the chance of ignition.
- Fire involvement may require expanded evacuation if other explosives or large quantities are nearby.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Cylindrical or tubular devices containing pyrotechnic compositions, typically metal or plastic casings with ignition elements. May appear as small tubes, wires, or assemblies with various colors depending on manufacturer.
| Also known as | Igniting fuzesIgniter fuzesPyrotechnic fuzesTime fuzesDelay fuzes |
| Appearance | Cylindrical or tubular devices containing pyrotechnic compositions, typically metal or plastic casings with ignition elements. May appear as small tubes, wires, or assemblies with various colors depending on manufacturer. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | Some compositions may react with water; do not use water on ignited devices |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0316
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 0316 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 0316 — Fuzes, ignitingUse 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.