☣️ UN 0491 • CLASS 1
UN 0491 — Charges, propelling
Placard: Explosive 1.4C. ERG Guide 114. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ 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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UN 0491 Quick Details
UN 0491
Product name: Charges, propelling
DOT Class: 1
Placard type: Explosive 1.4C
ERG Guide: 114 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 114: isolate 500m all directions; if fire or damaged, evacuate 800m in all directions; treat as explosive hazard
Common Hazards of UN 0491
- Minor blast or fire hazard — limited effect.
- Localized burning or deflagration possible.
- Smoke and heat from burning.
- Low mass explosion risk under normal conditions.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Propellant chargesGun propelling chargesPropelling charge assembliesArtillery propellant charges |
| Appearance | Solid propellant material typically in bags, cartridges, or assembled charges. Often appears as cylindrical or granular forms in various colors (green, gray, or black) depending on composition. May contain nitrocellulose-based smokeless powder or composite propellants. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (energetic material designed for combustion) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid propellant) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water under normal conditions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0491
Extinguishing Media
Water spray from distance, dry chemical, CO2; do not use foam on burning propellant
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum for intact charges; Level B with SCBA for fire or damaged charges; fire-resistant clothing required
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 114: isolate 500m all directions; if fire or damaged, evacuate 800m in all directions; treat as explosive hazard
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 114).
First Actions for a UN 0491 Incident
- CALL 911. Notify law enforcement.
- Isolate area; keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stage upwind; eliminate ignition sources.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Consult current ERG Guide 114 and follow SOP/SOG.
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UN 0491 — Charges, propellingHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 0491
Product: Charges, propelling
Class 1 / Explosive 1.4C / ERG 114
PPE: Level C minimum for intact charges; Level B with SCBA for fire or damaged charges; fire-resistant clothing required
ISOLATION: ERG 114: isolate 500m all directions; if fire or damaged, evacuate 800m in all directions; treat as explosive hazard
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 0491 — Charges, propelling
Class: 1 | Placard: Explosive 1.4C | ERG Guide: 114
Appearance: Solid propellant material typically in bags, cartridges, or assembled charges. Often appears as cylindrical or granular forms in various colors (green, gray, or black) depending on composition. May contain nitrocellulose-based smokeless powder or composite propellants.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water under normal conditions
Extinguishing: Water spray from distance, dry chemical, CO2; do not use foam on burning propellant
PPE: Level C minimum for intact charges; Level B with SCBA for fire or damaged charges; fire-resistant clothing required
Isolation: ERG 114: isolate 500m all directions; if fire or damaged, evacuate 800m in all directions; treat as explosive hazard
— Key Hazards —
• Minor blast or fire hazard — limited effect.
• Localized burning or deflagration possible.
• Smoke and heat from burning.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Notify law enforcement.
• Isolate area; keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stage upwind; eliminate ignition sources.
• Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0491 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN0491 Charges, propelling Cls1 ERG114 | ERG 114: isolate 500m all directions; if fire or damaged, evacuate 800m in all d | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0491SMS / 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/0491
Related UN Numbers in Class 1
Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 0491
Minor blast or fire hazard — limited effect. Localized burning or deflagration possible. Smoke and heat from burning. Low mass explosion risk under normal conditions.
CALL 911. Notify law enforcement. Isolate area; keep unauthorized personnel away. Stage upwind; eliminate ignition sources.
Level C minimum for intact charges; Level B with SCBA for fire or damaged charges; fire-resistant clothing required
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water under normal conditions. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray from distance, dry chemical, CO2; do not use foam on burning propellant.
ERG Guide 114 recommendation: ERG 114: isolate 500m all directions; if fire or damaged, evacuate 800m in all directions; treat as explosive hazard
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 114 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.