UN 0413 — Cartridges for weapons, blank
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0413 covers blank cartridges for weapons, classified as Explosive 1.3C, which means they present a fire and burning hazard rather than a mass explosion risk. These cartridges contain propellant powder in metallic, plastic, or polymer casings without a projectile.
Hazard overview: UN 0413 cartridges burn intensely when ignited and can project fragments or casing components due to rapid propellant combustion. While mass detonation of the entire load is not expected, fire involvement produces high heat output and poses a significant fragment hazard to nearby personnel.
Response guidance: Responders should isolate 500 meters in all directions and, if fire or explosion occurs, evacuate a 1600-meter radius. Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, or sand may be used for firefighting, but heavy direct water streams on burning cartridges should be avoided.
UN 0413 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0413
- Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
- Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
- May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
- Smoke and toxic combustion products.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0413 cartridges consist of brass, steel, or polymer casings with crimped or rolled ends containing propellant powder and no projectile, produced for use in firearms and signal devices.
| Also known as | Blank ammunitionBlank cartridgesTraining ammunitionBlank roundsPractice cartridges |
| Appearance | Metallic or plastic cartridge casings containing propellant powder but no projectile. Typically brass, steel, or polymer construction with crimped or rolled ends. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive composition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; propellant may be affected by prolonged moisture exposure |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0413
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level C minimum with ballistic protection is required; SCBA is mandatory during fire involvement, and a face shield with blast-resistant gear is recommended due to the risk of fragment projection.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0413 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Control ignition sources; deny entry.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0413 — 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.