UN 0288 — Cord, detonating, flexible
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0288 (Cord, detonating, flexible), also known as det cord, is a flexible explosive product consisting of a PETN-filled core enclosed in a textile or plastic sheath used to initiate or transfer detonations. It carries an Explosive 1.1D placard, indicating a mass explosion hazard requiring extreme caution during transport and emergency response.
Hazard overview: The entire load of UN 0288 may detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and fragmentation capable of causing casualties at significant distances. The PETN core is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any fire or mechanical disturbance near this material an immediate life-safety emergency.
Response guidance: Isolate all directions to a minimum of 500 meters (1,600 ft) and, if fire or detonation is imminent, evacuate a full 800-meter (half-mile) radius without delay. Firefighting should only be attempted from maximum distance using water fog; personnel must withdraw immediately if explosives are directly involved in fire.
UN 0288 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0288
- 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
Detonating cord is a thin, flexible cord-like explosive typically tan, white, or orange in color, consisting of a high-explosive PETN core wrapped in a textile or plastic outer sheath.
| Also known as | Detonating cordDet cordPrimacordDetcordExplosive cordBlasting cord |
| Appearance | Flexible cord-like explosive consisting of a core of high explosive (typically PETN) enclosed in a textile or plastic sheath. Typically tan, white, or orange in color. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/detonates) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; remains functional when wet |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0288
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Full structural firefighting gear with SCBA is required for any approach; a minimum evacuation radius of 1,000 feet is mandated, and immediate withdrawal is required if the material is exposed to fire.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0288 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 0288 — Cord, detonating, flexibleUse 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.