UN 0033 — Bombs, with bursting charge
Placard: Explosive 1.1F. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0033 covers military explosive devices known as Bombs, with bursting charge, which contain high explosive materials designed to detonate and fragment upon impact or activation. These metal-cased assemblies are classified as Explosive 1.1F, indicating a mass explosion hazard capable of simultaneous detonation of an entire load.
Hazard overview: UN 0033 presents a mass explosion hazard with the potential for the entire shipment to detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation. These devices are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any disturbance or fire exposure extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must not approach UN 0033 incidents under any circumstances, as only trained bomb disposal and EOD personnel with specialized equipment are authorized to operate near these devices. The immediate priority is to isolate the area in all directions for at least 1,200 meters and deny all entry until EOD personnel assume control.
UN 0033 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0033
- 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 0033 bombs are metal-cased military explosive assemblies of varying sizes containing high explosive bursting charges engineered to detonate and fragment upon activation or impact.
| Also known as | Explosive bombsMilitary ordnance with bursting chargesHigh explosive bombsFragmentation bombs |
| Appearance | Military explosive devices containing high explosive bursting charges designed to detonate and fragment upon impact or activation. Typically metal-cased assemblies of varying sizes. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may affect explosive reliability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0033
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Standard emergency responder PPE is wholly inadequate for UN 0033 incidents, which require full evacuation of all non-EOD personnel, as only bomb disposal specialists equipped with specialized protective equipment may operate in the hazard zone.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0033 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 0033 — Bombs, with bursting chargeUse 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.