UN 0268 — Boosters with detonator
Placard: Explosive 1.1B. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0268, Boosters with Detonator, are solid high explosive charges pre-fitted with detonating devices that present an extreme mass explosion risk during transport or storage incidents. The entire load may detonate simultaneously, making this one of the most dangerous explosive categories encountered in hazmat response.
Hazard overview: UN 0268 presents a Class 1.1B mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire shipment can detonate at once, generating catastrophic blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation over a wide area. The material is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any physical contact or fire exposure extraordinarily dangerous.
Response guidance: Upon encountering UN 0268, responders must immediately isolate a minimum of 800 meters in all directions and evacuate to at least 1,600 meters if fire is involved. Do not attempt to fight any fire involving this material — withdraw all personnel and allow burning to continue from a safe distance.
UN 0268 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0268
- 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 0268 consists of cylindrical or shaped blocks of high explosives — often yellow, tan, or white depending on composition — packaged with attached detonators ready for initiation.
| Also known as | Explosive boostersDetonating boostersPriming charges with detonatorBooster explosives with initiator |
| Appearance | Solid explosive charges combined with detonating devices, typically cylindrical or shaped blocks of high explosives (often yellow, tan, or white depending on composition) packaged with attached detonators. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but water should not be relied upon for fire suppression |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0268
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Bomb disposal personnel only may intervene before ignition, requiring full Level A protection with SCBA and a blast-resistant shelter; all other responders must maintain the established isolation perimeter and must not approach.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0268 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 0268 — Boosters with detonatorUse 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.