UN 0442 — Charges, explosive, commercial, without detonator
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Charges, explosive, commercial, without detonator are solid explosive compositions that can detonate simultaneously, posing a significant mass explosion hazard. They are typically tan, gray, or white in color and may have a mild chemical or ammonia-like odor.
Hazard overview: The explosion of these charges can cause severe blast overpressure and fragmentation, resulting in significant damage and injury. The entire load may detonate simultaneously, making it a highly hazardous situation.
Response guidance: In the event of an emergency, do not extinguish the fire, evacuate the area, and allow it to burn under controlled conditions. If water is used, it should be from a distance and only if absolutely necessary.
UN 0442 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0442
- 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
These compositions are typically solid and may have a mild chemical or ammonia-like odor, depending on the composition.
| Appearance | Solid explosive compositions in various forms (cartridges, blocks, sheets) typically tan, gray, or white in color. May have mild chemical or ammonia-like odor depending on composition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/detonates) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable with water, but moisture may affect sensitivity and performance of some explosive formulations |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0442
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Emergency responders should wear full structural firefighting gear with SCBA and maintain a maximum safe distance.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0442 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 0442 — Charges, explosive, commercial, withoutUse 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.