☣️ UN 0027 • CLASS 1

UN 0027 — Black powder (gunpowder), granular or as a meal

Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. 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.

Black powder, also known as gunpowder, is a highly explosive substance that requires careful handling and storage. It is commonly used in firearms and other pyrotechnic devices, but can be extremely hazardous if not handled properly.

Hazard overview: Black powder poses a significant deflagration and explosion hazard, and is extremely sensitive to ignition sources. It can ignite spontaneously if exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames, and can cause severe injury or death.

Response guidance: In the event of a black powder emergency, responders should evacuate the area immediately and establish a safe perimeter. Firefighters should wear full structural firefighting gear with SCBA and use dry chemical, sand, or CO2 to extinguish the fire.

UN 0027 Quick Details

UN 0027

Product name: Black powder (gunpowder), granular or as a meal

DOT Class: 1

Placard type: Explosive 1.1D

ERG Guide: 112 (check current ERG)

Initial isolation: ERG 112: Initially isolate 500m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m in all directions and consider evacuation

Common Hazards of UN 0027

Deflagration/explosion hazard
Extremely sensitive to ignition sources
Rapid fire spread from spilled material

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Black powder appears as a black to dark gray granular powder or fine meal with a characteristic sulfurous odor, and is solid at room temperature.

Also known as	GunpowderBlack powderPowder, sportingFFFFg powderCannon powderBlasting powder
CAS Number	1336-07-6
Appearance	Black to dark gray granular powder or fine meal with a characteristic sulfurous odor. Solid at room temperature.
Flash Point	Not applicable (explosive solid)
Boiling Point	Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates)
Vapor Density	Not applicable (solid)
Water Reactivity	No significant reaction with water, but moisture can affect sensitivity and performance

Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0027

Extinguishing Media

Water spray from distance, dry chemical, sand, CO2. Avoid direct water streams on bulk quantities

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum for non-fire incidents; Full structural firefighting PPE with SCBA for fire operations; Avoid static-generating clothing

Responders should wear Level B minimum PPE for non-fire incidents, and full structural firefighting PPE with SCBA for fire operations, avoiding static-generating clothing.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 112: Initially isolate 500m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m in all directions and consider evacuation

Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 112).

First Actions for a UN 0027 Incident

CALL 911. Then call emergency response number on shipping paper.
Isolate minimum 500 meters; deny entry
Stage upwind; eliminate ALL ignition sources
Request Hazmat + law enforcement
Do not use water streams — use flooding quantities if directed
Consult current ERG Guide 112 and SOP/SOG

📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 0027 — Black powder (gunpowder), granular or as

HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 0027 Product: Black powder (gunpowder), granular or as a meal Class 1 / Explosive 1.1D / ERG 112 PPE: Level B minimum for non-fire incidents; Full structural firefighting PPE with SCBA for fire operations; Avoid static-generating clothing ISOLATION: ERG 112: Initially isolate 500m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m in all directions and consider evacuation ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp

=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 0027 — Black powder (gunpowder), granular or as a meal Class: 1 | Placard: Explosive 1.1D | ERG Guide: 112 Appearance: Black to dark gray granular powder or fine meal with a characteristic sulfurous odor. Solid at room temperature. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but moisture can affect sensitivity and performance Extinguishing: Water spray from distance, dry chemical, sand, CO2. Avoid direct water streams on bulk quantities PPE: Level B minimum for non-fire incidents; Full structural firefighting PPE with SCBA for fire operations; Avoid static-generating clothing Isolation: ERG 112: Initially isolate 500m in all directions. If tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m in all directions and consider evacuation — Key Hazards — • Deflagration/explosion hazard • Extremely sensitive to ignition sources • Rapid fire spread from spilled material — First Actions — • CALL 911. Then call emergency response number on shipping paper. • Isolate minimum 500 meters; deny entry • Stage upwind; eliminate ALL ignition sources • Request Hazmat + law enforcement SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/black-powder-granular-or-un-0027 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)

UN0027 Black powder (gunpowder), granular or as a meal Cls1 ERG112 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/black-powder-granular-or-un-0027SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

Open in Messages WhatsApp

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/black-powder-granular-or-un-0027

Related UN Numbers in Class 1

Open Class Guide →Hazmat Hub →

UN 0004 UN 0012 UN 0028 UN 0030 UN 0033 UN 0042 UN 0043 UN 0048 UN 0055 UN 0056 UN 0058 UN 0059

← Prev (UN 0012)Next (UN 0028) →

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.

Frequently Asked Questions about UN 0027

Yes, UN 0027 black powder is highly flammable and can ignite spontaneously if exposed to heat or sparks.

The initial isolation distance for UN 0027 is 500m in all directions, and 1600m if a tank or rail car is involved in a fire.

Use dry chemical, sand, or CO2 to extinguish a UN 0027 fire, and avoid direct water streams on bulk quantities.

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.