UN 0059 — Charges, shaped, without detonator
Placard: Explosive 1.1F. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0059 refers to shaped charges without detonators, which are precision explosive devices engineered with a metal cone or liner backed by high explosive material to focus detonation energy into a concentrated penetrating jet. These munitions, also known as hollow charge or liner charges, are classified as Division 1.1F explosives due to their mass explosion risk affecting an entire load simultaneously.
Hazard overview: UN 0059 presents a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire quantity on scene may detonate simultaneously, producing catastrophic blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation capable of causing casualties at significant distances. The explosive material is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any physical disturbance or fire exposure extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: In any incident involving UN 0059, responders must immediately isolate the area to a minimum of 800 meters (half a mile) in all directions and extend evacuation to 1,600 meters (one mile) if fire is present or items are leaking. Fire involving these charges should not be fought; personnel must withdraw to a safe distance and allow the material to burn under controlled evacuation conditions.
UN 0059 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0059
- 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 0059 shaped charges are solid explosive devices with a metallic gray or copper-colored casing, typically formed as a metal cone or liner structure backed by dense high explosive material.
| Also known as | Shaped charge munitionsHollow charge explosivesLiner chargesPrecision demolition charges |
| Appearance | Solid explosive devices typically consisting of a metal cone or liner backed by high explosive material, designed to focus detonation energy into a concentrated jet. Usually metallic gray or copper colored casing. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction under normal conditions, but water may affect explosive sensitivity |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0059
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Maximum protective distance is required for UN 0059 incidents, as full structural firefighting gear provides only limited protection against the blast overpressure and fragmentation hazards associated with these Division 1.1F explosives.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0059 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 0059 — 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.