UN 0279 — Charges, propelling, for cannon
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0279 covers artillery propelling charges — solid propellant assemblies designed to launch projectiles from cannon systems. These charges are classified as Class 1.1C explosives, meaning the entire shipment may detonate simultaneously in an incident.
Hazard overview: The primary danger of UN 0279 is mass detonation, which generates catastrophic blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation capable of causing fatalities at significant distances. These charges are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any mechanical force or ignition source an immediate life-safety threat.
Response guidance: Immediately isolate the area 500 meters in all directions and evacuate at least 1,600 meters if fire is involved or a large spill has occurred. Only trained explosives personnel should approach, and all potential ignition sources must be eliminated before any intervention is attempted.
UN 0279 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0279
- 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 0279 propellant charges appear as granular powder or formed solid charges packaged in fabric bags or metal cases, typically tan, gray, or black depending on their chemical composition.
| Also known as | Artillery propellant chargesGun propelling chargesCannon propellantArtillery propellant bagsPropellant charge assemblies |
| Appearance | Solid propellant material, typically appearing as granular powder or formed charges in fabric bags or metal cases. May be tan, gray, or black in color depending on composition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water under normal conditions, but moisture may affect stability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0279
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear full protective clothing and SCBA, maintain maximum standoff distance, and defer all hands-on operations to certified explosives ordnance personnel.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0279 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 0279 — Charges, propelling, for cannonUse 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.