UN 2016 — Ammunition, poisonous, non-explosive
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2016 is Ammunition, poisonous, non-explosive, a toxic non-explosive ammunition entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. The fill material controls toxicity, decontamination and isolation decisions.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC non-explosive ammunition; released agent may be fatal by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Exact hazard depends on the toxic agent or fill material in the ammunition. Damaged items may contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
Response guidance: For a UN 2016 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff or dust spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2016 should emphasize toxic-agent identification, residue control, decontamination, law-enforcement/ordnance coordination, respiratory protection and downwind isolation. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ammunition, poisonous, non-explosive is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Ammunition, poisonous, non-explosive should be stored in a secure, ventilated toxic-material/ordnance area with restricted access, intact packaging, segregation from heat and incompatible materials, and emergency/decontamination planning.
UN 2016 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2016
- HIGHLY TOXIC non-explosive ammunition; released agent may be fatal by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption.
- Exact hazard depends on the toxic agent or fill material in the ammunition.
- Damaged items may contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers or rounds may rupture when heated even if classified non-explosive.
- Runoff may carry toxic contamination and pollute waterways.
- Avoid all skin contact and treat unidentified contents as highly toxic.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies by specific munition type; typically solid munitions containing toxic chemical agents or materials. May be cylindrical cartridges, shells, or other ammunition forms at room temperature.
| Also known as | Poisonous ammunitionToxic ammunition non-explosiveChemical ammunitionToxic ordnance |
| Appearance | Varies by specific munition type; typically solid munitions containing toxic chemical agents or materials. May be cylindrical cartridges, shells, or other ammunition forms at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-explosive ammunition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid munitions) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid munitions; vapor density depends on released agent) |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by toxic agent contained; assume potential reactivity and contamination risk |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2016
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and fully encapsulating chemical protection for leaking, damaged or unknown toxic-agent ammunition. Avoid all skin contact and follow hazmat/ordnance procedures.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2016 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 dust, vapor, fumes, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent residues, fragments, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, water reaction, vapor generation, dust spread or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2016 — Ammunition, poisonous, non-explosiveUse 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.