UN 0277 — Cartridges, oil well
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0277 Cartridges, oil well are cylindrical metal explosive devices used in oil and gas well perforation and stimulation operations. These Class 1.3C articles contain explosive charges that, when initiated, can project fragments and generate intense heat without mass detonation.
Hazard overview: UN 0277 presents a fire and burning hazard with the potential to deflagrate and initiate adjacent explosive materials, but does not pose a mass explosion risk. Intense heat release and metal fragment projection from the casings create significant dangers to personnel and equipment within the immediate area.
Response guidance: In the event of a fire or incident involving UN 0277, isolate the area for a minimum of 500 meters in all directions and evacuate at least 1600 meters downwind if explosives are directly involved in flames. Do not attempt to fight the fire directly with water on the cartridges; apply dry chemical, CO2, or sand only to surrounding materials from a safe standoff distance.
UN 0277 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0277
- 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 0277 cartridges are sealed cylindrical metal casings containing explosive charges and detonating cords, engineered specifically for downhole oil and gas well operations.
| Also known as | Oil well cartridgesWell stimulation cartridgesPerforating cartridgesDownhole explosive cartridges |
| Appearance | Metal cartridges containing explosive charges designed for use in oil and gas well operations. Typically cylindrical devices with detonating cords or explosive materials sealed within metal casings. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive article) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water under normal conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0277
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level B protection minimum with SCBA and full protective clothing, and maintain a safe standoff distance due to the risk of metal fragment projection from detonating cartridges.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0277 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 0277 — Cartridges, oil wellUse 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.