UN 1005 — Ammonia, anhydrous
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 125. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1005 is Ammonia, anhydrous, a Class 1 explosive entry assigned to ERG Guide 125. This entry requires isolation, evacuation and qualified explosive specialist support as primary responder priorities.
Hazard overview: UN 1005 presents a serious explosive hazard when exposed to fire, impact, shock, friction or other initiating conditions. Depending on division and quantity, detonation or projection may create severe blast, fragmentation and secondary debris hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1005 incident, responders should confirm the material using shipping papers, placards, package markings, SDS where applicable and ERG Guide 125. 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 125, shipping papers and local explosive incident SOP.
Regulatory context: Ammonia, anhydrous 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: Ammonia, anhydrous 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 1005 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1005
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
- Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes, skin and the respiratory tract.
- Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause severe burns, serious injury and/or frostbite.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Some ammonia releases may burn under certain conditions, but the material does not ignite readily.
- Although ammonia gas is lighter than air, cold vapor from liquefied gas may initially stay near the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
- Ammonia is highly soluble in water and can form a caustic ammonium hydroxide solution.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Lighter than air as a gas, but vapors from liquid may initially hug the ground.
| Also known as | Anhydrous ammoniaLiquid ammoniaAmmonia gasR-717NH3 |
| CAS Number | 7664-41-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Lighter than air as a gas, but vapors from liquid may initially hug the ground. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (gas) |
| Boiling Point | -33C (-28F) |
| Vapor Density | 0.6 (lighter than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Highly soluble in water, forming caustic ammonium hydroxide solution. No violent reaction but generates heat. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1005
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
For UN 1005, 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 1005 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor and avoid contact with gas, liquefied gas or contaminated surfaces.
- Do not touch damaged containers or released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Many gases may spread along the ground when released cold from liquefied gas and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the immediate precautionary distance as needed in the downwind direction based on conditions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1005 — Ammonia, anhydrousUse 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.