☣️ UN 0503 • CLASS 1
Air bag inflators or Air bag modules
Placard: Explosive 1.4G. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ 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.
Advertisement
Quick details
UN 0503
Class: 1
Placard type: Explosive 1.4G
ERG: Guide 114 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 114: Initial isolation 50m all directions. For fire, evacuate 300m downwind. Treat as Division 1.4 explosive with limited blast hazard.
Chemical & Response Details
| 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. |
| 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. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Minor blast or fire hazard — limited effect.
- Localized burning or deflagration possible.
- Smoke and heat from burning.
- Low mass explosion risk under normal conditions.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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.
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share
UN 0503 — Air bag inflators or Air bag modules HAZMAT 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 (same class)
Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
Advertisement
FAQ
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.
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.