UN 0058 — Charges, shaped, without detonator
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0058 identifies shaped charges without detonators, which are metallic or composite explosive devices designed with a conical or linear cavity lined with metal to direct a high-velocity jet of energy upon detonation. Despite the absence of a detonator, these devices contain high explosives and present an extreme mass explosion hazard if subjected to sufficient heat, shock, or friction.
Hazard overview: UN 0058 shaped charges carry a Division 1.1D mass explosion hazard, meaning an entire load can detonate simultaneously, producing catastrophic blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation capable of causing casualties and structural damage at significant distances. These devices are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any fire or impact scenario extremely dangerous for emergency responders.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must not attempt to fight fires involving UN 0058 shaped charges and should evacuate all personnel at least 1,600 meters in all directions when fire is present. Isolate the scene a minimum of 800 meters in all directions and allow the fire to burn out if it cannot be safely controlled from a distance using water.
UN 0058 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0058
- 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 0058 shaped charges are solid metallic or composite devices, typically gray or tan in color, featuring a conical or linear internal cavity lined with metal such as copper and packed with high explosive.
| Also known as | Shaped chargesHollow chargesConical chargesLinear shaped chargesJet-forming charges |
| Appearance | Metallic or composite device with conical or linear cavity lined with metal (typically copper), packed with high explosive. Solid at room temperature, typically gray or tan in color. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but water should not be used on fires involving explosives |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0058
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Full structural firefighting gear with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is the minimum required protection for UN 0058 incidents, and responders must withdraw immediately if fire directly involves these explosive devices.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0058 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 0058 — Charges, shaped, without detonatorUse 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.