UN 0271 — Charges, propelling
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0271 Charges Propelling are solid propellant charges used to propel projectiles in firearms and artillery, available in forms such as bags, cartridges, and pellets using single-base, double-base, or triple-base formulations. These materials are classified as Division 1.1C explosives, meaning the entire load may detonate simultaneously, producing catastrophic blast overpressure and fragmentation.
Hazard overview: UN 0271 presents a mass explosion hazard and is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, meaning any ignition source or mechanical stress can trigger simultaneous detonation of the entire shipment. Severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation generated by detonation pose lethal risks to personnel and structures well beyond the immediate incident site.
Response guidance: Per ERG Guide 112, responders should isolate the area a minimum of 800 meters in all directions and initiate evacuation to 1600 meters if fire is involved or a large spill has occurred. If fire cannot be safely controlled, personnel must withdraw immediately and allow the material to burn rather than risk triggering a mass detonation.
UN 0271 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0271
- 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 0271 Charges Propelling are solid propellant materials found in bags, cartridges, or pellet form, typically gray, brown, or black in color, composed of nitrocellulose-based or combined nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin formulations.
| Also known as | Propelling chargesPropellant chargesArtillery propelling chargesGun propellant charges |
| Appearance | Solid propellant charges in various forms (bags, cartridges, pellets) typically gray, brown, or black in color. May be single-base (nitrocellulose), double-base (nitrocellulose/nitroglycerin), or triple-base formulations used to propel projectiles in firearms and artillery. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture can affect stability and performance |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0271
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders approaching UN 0271 must wear full Level A protection with blast-resistant gear and SCBA at a maximum protective distance, and must withdraw immediately if fire is impinging on the propelling charges.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0271 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 0271 — Charges, propellingUse 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.