UN 0224 — Barium azide, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.1A. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0224, Barium Azide (dry), is a white to gray crystalline powder classified as an Explosive 1.1A capable of mass detonation of an entire load simultaneously. This shock-, heat-, and friction-sensitive compound poses severe blast overpressure and fragmentation risks, requiring extreme standoff distances and specialized EOD intervention.
Hazard overview: Barium Azide dry presents a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire shipment can detonate simultaneously, generating catastrophic blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation. Contact with water produces toxic hydrazoic acid vapor, compounding the chemical hazard beyond the primary explosive threat.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must isolate all directions to a minimum of 500 meters and, if fire or explosion is involved, initiate an evacuation of at least 1600 meters in all directions per ERG Guide 112. Water and foam extinguishing agents must not be used; only dry methods are permissible for small fires, and significant quantities of Barium Azide should be managed exclusively by trained EOD personnel using remote operations.
UN 0224 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0224
- Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously.
- Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation.
- Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
- Secondary fire and debris hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0224 Barium Azide dry appears as a white to gray, odorless crystalline powder or solid that is soluble in water and highly sensitive to shock, heat, and friction in its dry state.
| Also known as | Barium diazideBarium azide anhydrousBarium(II) azideBa(N3)2 |
| CAS Number | 18810-58-7 |
| Appearance | White to gray crystalline powder or solid, odorless. Shock-sensitive explosive compound in dry state. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water forming toxic hydrazoic acid vapor; avoid large quantities of water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0224
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level A chemical protective equipment and follow full explosive ordnance disposal protocols, with remote operations strongly preferred to minimize personnel exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0224 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions.
- Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement + additional resources immediately.
- Do not fight fire — evacuate and isolate; let burn if no life safety risk.
- Protect exposures only if safe and directed by command.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0224 — Barium azide, dryUse 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.