UN 0043 — Bursters, explosive
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0043 covers Bursters, explosive — solid explosive devices engineered to fragment or rupture containers using high explosive fillers. These items present a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire load may detonate simultaneously with catastrophic blast and fragmentation effects.
Hazard overview: UN 0043 poses a mass explosion hazard with severe blast overpressure and fragmentation capable of causing casualties well beyond the immediate incident area. These devices are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any disturbance or fire involvement extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: Responders must isolate a minimum of 500 meters in all directions and immediately evacuate at least 1600 meters if UN 0043 bursters are on fire or directly involved in an incident. Fire should not be fought directly — withdraw all personnel and contact explosives disposal experts before any approach is attempted.
UN 0043 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0043
- 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 0043 bursters are solid explosive devices, typically cylindrical or shaped charges containing high explosives, and are commonly found in tan, gray, or olive drab coloring.
| Also known as | Explosive burstersDemolition burstersHigh explosive bursting chargesMilitary bursters |
| Appearance | Solid explosive devices designed to fragment or burst containers. Typically cylindrical or shaped charges containing high explosives, often tan, gray, or olive drab in color. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, but may contain water-reactive components depending on explosive composition |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0043
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Response to UN 0043 requires full structural firefighting gear with SCBA at minimum, though a withdrawal distance of at least 1000 meters and the involvement of certified explosives experts are mandatory for any direct handling.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0043 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 0043 — Bursters, 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.