UN 0056 — Charges, depth
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0056 Depth Charges are anti-submarine explosive devices classified as Division 1.1D due to their mass explosion hazard potential. These cylindrical or spherical steel casings contain high explosives such as TNT or RDX and are engineered for underwater detonation.
Hazard overview: UN 0056 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire load may detonate simultaneously, generating severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation. The explosive filling is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any disturbance during an incident extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: If UN 0056 Depth Charges are involved in fire or explosion, immediately evacuate all personnel to a minimum radius of 1600 meters and do not attempt firefighting. Isolate the area 500 meters in all directions as an immediate precautionary measure and allow any fire to burn out under remote monitoring only.
UN 0056 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0056
- 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 0056 Depth Charges consist of cylindrical or spherical metal casings, typically finished in dark gray or olive drab paint, housing high-explosive fillings designed to withstand underwater deployment.
| Also known as | Depth chargesUnderwater explosive chargesAnti-submarine chargesNaval depth bombs |
| Appearance | Cylindrical or spherical metal casings containing high explosives (TNT, RDX, or similar). Typically dark gray or olive drab painted steel containers designed for underwater detonation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive device) |
| Water Reactivity | Designed for underwater use; explosive filling is water-resistant but device may be shock-sensitive when submerged. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0056
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
No firefighting personal protective equipment is sufficient for a UN 0056 incident — the area must be evacuated immediately with no personnel remaining within the hazard zone.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0056 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 0056 — Charges, depthUse 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.