UN 0402 — Ammonium perchlorate
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0402 is Ammonium perchlorate, a Class 1 explosive assigned to ERG Guide 112. This entry should be treated as a high-consequence explosive hazard where isolation, evacuation and qualified explosive ordnance support are the primary responder priorities.
Hazard overview: UN 0402 presents a mass explosion hazard when exposed to fire, impact, shock, friction or other initiating conditions. A detonation may involve the entire load and produce severe blast pressure, fragmentation and secondary debris. Responders should not rely on normal firefighting PPE as protection from blast effects.
Response guidance: For a UN 0402 incident, responders should confirm the material using shipping papers, placards, package markings, SDS where applicable and ERG Guide 112. Establish incident command, isolate the area, deny entry, request law enforcement and EOD support, and withdraw personnel if fire involves the explosive material or containers.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize recognizing Class 1 explosive placards, establishing command early, using standoff distance, denying entry and requesting bomb squad or EOD support. Common tactical errors include approaching packages for identification, moving damaged items, fighting fire too close and underestimating fragmentation distance. Use ERG 112, shipping papers and local explosive incident SOP.
Regulatory context: Ammonium perchlorate is regulated as a Class 1 explosive hazardous material. Transportation, storage, quantity limits, fire code controls and reporting requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS or product documents and applicable DOT, ATF, OSHA, NFPA, military, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Ammonium perchlorate should be stored only in approved packaging, magazines or authorized explosive storage areas, separated from ignition sources, incompatible materials and unauthorized access. Packages should be protected from heat, impact, friction, moisture where relevant and physical damage according to product documentation and applicable explosive storage regulations.
UN 0402 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0402
- Mass explosion hazard under the assigned explosive classification.
- Strong oxidizer behavior may intensify fires involving combustibles, fuels or reducing agents.
- Heating, contamination or confinement may increase explosive decomposition risk.
- Fire or decomposition may produce irritating or toxic gases including chlorine-containing compounds and nitrogen oxides.
- Containers may rupture or project debris if heated.
- Runoff may spread oxidizer contamination and create additional fire hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Stable at room temperature but becomes hazardous when heated or subjected to shock.
| Also known as | Perchloric acid ammonium saltAmmonium salt of perchloric acidAP |
| CAS Number | 7790-98-9 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Stable at room temperature but becomes hazardous when heated or subjected to shock. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid, does not burn but supports combustion) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at approximately 200C/392F before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but dissolved material remains oxidizing and hazardous |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0402
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
For UN 0402, distance, cover and evacuation are more important than close-range PPE. Structural firefighting gear and SCBA may be used only for remote exposure protection or support roles; direct approach or handling should be limited to qualified EOD or explosive specialists under incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0402 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the hazard area.
- Stage responders upwind, uphill and outside the recommended isolation distance.
- Request law enforcement, bomb squad or EOD, hazmat and additional command resources immediately.
- Do not handle, move or disturb explosive articles unless directed by qualified explosive ordnance personnel.
- Do not fight fire involving explosives at close range; withdraw and protect life safety first.
- Protect exposures only from a safe, remote position if directed by incident command and local SOP.
- Use ERG Guide 112, shipping papers and incident command to set isolation and evacuation distances.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0402 — Ammonium perchlorateUse 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.