UN 0415 — Charges, propelling
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0415 is Charges, propelling, a Class 1 explosive article or substance assigned to ERG Guide 112. It is primarily a fire and deflagration hazard, with heat, smoke and possible fragment projection if ignited.
Hazard overview: UN 0415 is not normally treated as a mass explosion hazard when transported as classified, but it can burn intensely and may project fragments or ignite nearby explosive, propellant or pyrotechnic materials. Smoke can contain irritating or toxic combustion products, and damaged packages may increase the hazard.
Response guidance: For a UN 0415 incident, responders should confirm the article or material using shipping papers, markings, SDS where applicable and ERG Guide 112. Isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid smoke, control ignition sources when safe and determine whether higher-hazard explosives or larger quantities are also present before committing crews.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize pyrotechnic, propellant or nitrocellulose fire behavior, smoke hazards, fragment potential and the risk of escalating nearby explosive articles. Common errors include approaching through smoke, disturbing damaged packages and failing to expand isolation when fire spreads.
Regulatory context: Charges, propelling is regulated as a Class 1 explosive hazardous material. Transportation, storage, quantity limits, fire code controls and reporting requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS or product documents and applicable DOT, ATF, OSHA, NFPA, military, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Charges, propelling should be stored only in approved packaging, magazines or authorized explosive storage areas, separated from ignition sources, incompatible materials and unauthorized access. Packages should be protected from heat, impact, friction, moisture where relevant and physical damage according to product documentation and applicable explosive storage regulations.
UN 0415 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0415
- Fire and deflagration hazard; propellant may burn rapidly and intensely.
- Burning charges or cartridges may project casing fragments, hot material or debris.
- Not normally a mass explosion hazard when transported as classified, but large quantities can create severe heat exposure.
- Smoke may contain irritating or toxic combustion products.
- Fire may ignite adjacent ammunition, propellant or explosive materials.
- Direct close-range attack can expose responders to heat, fragments and sudden pressure effects.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid propellant formulations, typically cylindrical or granular in shape, often tan, brown, or black in color. May be contained in combustible casings or bags. Odorless or slight chemical odor.
| Also known as | Propellant chargesPropelling chargesArtillery propelling chargesGun propellant charges |
| Appearance | Solid propellant formulations, typically cylindrical or granular in shape, often tan, brown, or black in color. May be contained in combustible casings or bags. Odorless or slight chemical odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (energetic material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid propellant) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction under normal conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0415
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders should use structural firefighting gear with SCBA for smoke or fire exposure and maintain standoff distance from burning articles or packages. PPE does not replace evacuation if additional explosives or large quantities are involved.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0415 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry.
- Stage upwind and avoid smoke from burning pyrotechnic, propellant or explosive material.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Isolate the area and check for nearby explosives, ammunition, propellants or pyrotechnic articles.
- Protect exposures only from a safe distance if directed by incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 112, shipping papers and incident command to set isolation and evacuation distances.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0415 — 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.