UN 0341 — Nitrocellulose, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0341 is Nitrocellulose, dry, a Class 1 explosive substance assigned to ERG Guide 112. It is a nitrocellulose entry where fire behavior, dryness and stabilizer condition are critical to responder safety.
Hazard overview: UN 0341 nitrocellulose presents a serious fire and rapid deflagration hazard. Drying, heat, friction or static can increase sensitivity, and fire may produce intense heat, pressure effects and toxic nitrogen oxide smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 0341 nitrocellulose incident, responders should verify the exact form and stabilizing condition using shipping papers, SDS and ERG Guide 112. Isolate the area, prevent ignition sources, avoid disturbing damaged material, stay upwind of smoke and use water or cooling tactics only as directed by incident command and product guidance.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize pyrotechnic, propellant or nitrocellulose fire behavior, smoke hazards, fragment potential and the risk of escalating nearby explosive articles. Common errors include approaching through smoke, disturbing damaged packages and failing to expand isolation when fire spreads.
Regulatory context: Nitrocellulose, dry is regulated as a Class 1 explosive article or substance. Transportation, storage, quantity and fire code requirements may apply depending on packaging and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, product documents and applicable DOT, ATF, OSHA, NFPA or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitrocellulose, dry 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 0341 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0341
- Fire and deflagration hazard; nitrocellulose may burn rapidly and intensely.
- Drying, heat, friction or static discharge can increase ignition sensitivity.
- Not normally a mass explosion hazard for this division, but fire can create severe heat, smoke and pressure effects.
- Smoke may contain irritating or toxic nitrogen oxides and other combustion products.
- Containers may rupture or project fragments if heated.
- Loss of wetting or stabilizing agent can increase the hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material. Odorless when pure, may have slight ether-like odor if residual solvents present. Highly flammable solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateGuncottonPyroxylinNitrocottonCollodion cotton |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material. Odorless when pure, may have slight ether-like odor if residual solvents present. Highly flammable solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid, ignites readily) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling, auto-ignites at approximately 160-170C) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but may increase sensitivity when dry |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0341
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 0341 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.
- Prevent drying of wetted or stabilized material only if this can be done safely under specialist direction.
- 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 0341 — Nitrocellulose, dryUse 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.