UN 0326 — Cartridges for weapons, blank
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0326 identifies blank cartridges for weapons — metallic or plastic casings loaded with smokeless or black powder propellant but containing no projectile. These Class 1 Explosive 1.1C devices are used in military, training, and theatrical applications and present a serious mass detonation risk when transported in bulk.
Hazard overview: The entire cargo load may detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and dangerous fragmentation from cartridge casings. The propellant charge inside each cartridge is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making fire involvement or impact a critical escalation risk.
Response guidance: Immediately isolate a minimum 500 meters (1,600 ft) in all directions and expand the evacuation zone to 1,600 meters (1 mile) if any cartridges are involved in fire or if the cargo has been exposed to sustained heat. Do not attempt to fight the fire directly — use dry chemical, sand, or earth only from maximum safe distance, and do not apply water to burning explosive material.
UN 0326 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0326
- 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 0326 cartridges appear as metallic or plastic cases of varying color with crimped or plugged closures and contain propellant powder but no projectile.
| Also known as | Blank ammunition cartridgesBlank firing cartridgesTraining ammunition (blank)Simulation cartridges |
| Appearance | Metallic or plastic cartridge cases containing smokeless powder or black powder propellant with crimped or plugged closure. No projectile present. Color varies by manufacturer and type. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may degrade propellant over time |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0326
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level B protection with full structural firefighting gear and mandatory SCBA, maintaining maximum standoff distance at all times.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0326 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 0326 — Cartridges for weapons, blankUse 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.