☣️ UN 0503 • CLASS 1
UN 0503 — Air bag inflators or Air bag modules
Placard: Explosive 1.4G. 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 0503 Quick Details
UN 0503
Product name: Air bag inflators or Air bag modules
DOT Class: 1
Placard type: Explosive 1.4G
ERG Guide: 114 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 114: Initial isolation 50m all directions. For fire, evacuate 300m downwind. Treat as Division 1.4 explosive with limited blast hazard.
Common Hazards of UN 0503
- 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 | Air bag inflatorsAir bag modulesPyrotechnic inflatorsSupplemental restraint system inflatorsSRS inflators |
| Appearance | Metal cylindrical or rectangular assemblies containing solid pyrotechnic propellant (typically sodium azide or guanidine nitrate). Devices are typically gray or black metal housings, inert until activated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid pyrotechnic device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water. Sodium azide residue may produce toxic hydrazoic acid gas if wetted. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0503
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for cooling. Avoid direct water streams on heated inflators.
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum. SCBA and full protective clothing if fire exposure. Eye and respiratory protection mandatory due to potential toxic gas release from pyrotechnic materials.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 114: Initial isolation 50m all directions. For fire, evacuate 300m downwind. Treat as Division 1.4 explosive with limited blast hazard.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 114).
First Actions for a UN 0503 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0503 — Air bag inflators or Air bag modulesHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 0503
Product: Air bag inflators or Air bag modules
Class 1 / Explosive 1.4G / ERG 114
PPE: Level C minimum. SCBA and full protective clothing if fire exposure. Eye and respiratory protection mandatory due to potential toxic gas release from pyrotechnic materials.
ISOLATION: ERG 114: Initial isolation 50m all directions. For fire, evacuate 300m downwind. Treat as Division 1.4 explosive with limited blast 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 0503 — Air bag inflators or Air bag modules
Class: 1 | Placard: Explosive 1.4G | ERG Guide: 114
Appearance: Metal cylindrical or rectangular assemblies containing solid pyrotechnic propellant (typically sodium azide or guanidine nitrate). Devices are typically gray or black metal housings, inert until activated.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water. Sodium azide residue may produce toxic hydrazoic acid gas if wetted.
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for cooling. Avoid direct water streams on heated inflators.
PPE: Level C minimum. SCBA and full protective clothing if fire exposure. Eye and respiratory protection mandatory due to potential toxic gas release from pyrotechnic materials.
Isolation: ERG 114: Initial isolation 50m all directions. For fire, evacuate 300m downwind. Treat as Division 1.4 explosive with limited blast 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/0503 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN0503 Air bag inflators or Air bag modules Cls1 ERG114 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/0503SMS / 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/0503
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 0503
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. SCBA and full protective clothing if fire exposure. Eye and respiratory protection mandatory due to potential toxic gas release from pyrotechnic materials.
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water. Sodium azide residue may produce toxic hydrazoic acid gas if wetted.. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for cooling. Avoid direct water streams on heated inflators..
ERG Guide 114 recommendation: ERG 114: Initial isolation 50m all directions. For fire, evacuate 300m downwind. Treat as Division 1.4 explosive with limited blast 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.