UN 0060 — Charges, supplemental, explosive
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0060 covers supplementary and booster explosive charges, including military demolition charges and shaped explosive configurations used to initiate or augment detonation sequences. These solid explosive devices are classified as Division 1.1D, meaning the entire load is capable of mass detonation simultaneously.
Hazard overview: UN 0060 presents an extreme mass explosion hazard, where the complete cargo can detonate in a single simultaneous event generating severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation. The explosive material is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any physical contact or fire exposure exceptionally dangerous.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must not approach UN 0060 incidents without bomb disposal or EOD authorization, and immediate evacuation to a minimum 1600-meter radius is required if the material is on fire or physically compromised. Fire suppression is not viable once initiation begins, and no extinguishing agent can reliably prevent detonation of supplemental explosive charges.
UN 0060 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0060
- 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 0060 supplemental explosive charges are solid devices typically tan to dark brown or black in color, manufactured in shaped blocks, cylinders, or specialized configurations for demolition or military applications.
| Also known as | supplementary chargesbooster chargesexplosive supplemental chargesmilitary demolition charges |
| Appearance | Solid explosive devices or charges in various forms, typically tan to dark brown or black, manufactured as shaped blocks, cylinders, or specialized configurations for demolition or military use. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes violently upon initiation) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water under normal conditions, but water may not prevent initiation from heat or shock |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0060
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Emergency response to UN 0060 requires SCBA and blast-resistant protective gear, and approach is only permissible under the direct authorization of bomb disposal or EOD-qualified personnel.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0060 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 0060 — Charges, supplemental, explosiveUse 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.