UN 0510 — Cartridges for weapons, blank
Placard: Explosive 1.4C. ERG Guide 114. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0510 is Cartridges for weapons, blank, a Class 1.4C ammunition or propellant-related entry assigned to ERG Guide 114. It presents a limited fire or deflagration hazard, but smoke, heat and fragments can still injure nearby personnel.
Hazard overview: UN 0510 presents a limited ammunition or propellant fire hazard. Heat or fire may cause localized deflagration, popping, fragments or smoke, especially if packages are damaged or quantities are larger than initially reported.
Response guidance: For a UN 0510 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, markings and ERG Guide 114. Isolate the area, keep personnel out of smoke, control ignition sources and expand the perimeter if fire involves additional ammunition or propellant.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize the difference between limited-effect explosives and higher-hazard Class 1 materials. Common errors include standing too close to heated packages, dismissing smoke hazards, disturbing damaged articles and failing to check for adjacent explosives or ammunition.
Regulatory context: Cartridges for weapons, blank is regulated as a Class 1 explosive hazardous material. Transportation, storage, quantity limits, fire code controls and reporting requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS or product documents and applicable DOT, ATF, OSHA, NFPA, military, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Cartridges for weapons, blank should be stored only in approved packaging, magazines or authorized explosive storage areas, separated from ignition sources, incompatible materials and unauthorized access. Packages should be protected from heat, impact, friction, moisture where relevant and physical damage according to product documentation and applicable explosive storage regulations.
UN 0510 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0510
- Limited fire and deflagration hazard from propellant or ammunition components.
- Localized burning, popping or fragment effects may occur if heated or damaged.
- Smoke and heat from burning material may irritate the eyes and respiratory tract.
- Low mass explosion risk under normal transport conditions for this division.
- Heated packages may fail and scatter small articles, cartridge cases or fragments.
- Nearby ammunition, propellants or explosives may increase the overall incident hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Metallic or plastic cartridge cases containing propellant powder but no projectile. Typically brass, steel, or polymer casings in various calibers.
| Also known as | Blank ammunitionBlank cartridgesTraining ammunition (blank)Drill cartridges |
| Appearance | Metallic or plastic cartridge cases containing propellant powder but no projectile. Typically brass, steel, or polymer casings in various calibers. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive article) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction under normal conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0510
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Structural firefighting protective clothing with SCBA is appropriate for fire or smoke exposure, with distance maintained from heated packages. Approach and handling should follow incident command and local SOP.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0510 Incident
- CALL 911. Notify law enforcement if explosive articles, ordnance or pyrotechnic devices are involved.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stage upwind and avoid smoke from burning articles.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Isolate the area and expand the perimeter if fire grows or additional explosives are present.
- Use ERG Guide 114, shipping papers and incident command for isolation and fire response decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0510 — 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.