UN 0321 — Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge
Placard: Explosive 1.1F. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0321 Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge, are Class 1 explosive ordnance classified under Explosive 1.1F, indicating a mass explosion hazard capable of simultaneous detonation of the entire load. These metallic or composite cartridges contain both propellant and a bursting charge engineered to detonate on impact, making them acutely sensitive to heat, shock, and friction during transport or storage incidents.
Hazard overview: A single initiating event can trigger mass detonation of the entire shipment, generating catastrophic blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation that endangers personnel and structures across hundreds of meters. The combined propellant and bursting charge design means these cartridges present both a deflagration and detonation risk simultaneously, with no safe threshold for proximity during an active fire or impact event.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must immediately isolate a minimum of 500 meters in all directions and, if fire or explosion is already occurring, extend the isolation radius to 800 meters with a 1,600-meter downwind evacuation corridor per ERG Guide 112. Direct firefighting efforts must not be attempted; if fire cannot be controlled from maximum distance using unmanned monitor nozzles, personnel should withdraw and allow the incident to burn under controlled isolation.
UN 0321 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0321
- 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 0321 cartridges are solid manufactured explosive articles of various calibers, constructed from metallic or composite casings that house integrated propellant and bursting charge assemblies.
| Also known as | ammunition cartridges with bursting chargeexplosive ammunitionbursting cartridgesmilitary cartridges with explosive charge |
| Appearance | Metallic or composite cartridges containing propellant and a bursting charge designed to explode upon impact or detonation. Solid manufactured articles of various calibers and sizes. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive ordnance) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive ordnance) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may degrade propellant or explosive components over time |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0321
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
SCBA is mandatory for any required entry into the hazard zone; full structural firefighting gear offers only limited protection against blast and fragmentation and does not substitute for maximum standoff distance.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0321 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 0321 — Cartridges for weapons, with bursting chUse 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.