UN 0483 — Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine; RDX, desensitized
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, also known as RDX, is a highly explosive material, typically white crystalline solid, odorless, and desensitized forms may appear as damp paste or wetted material to reduce explosion sensitivity. RDX is used in various military and industrial applications, including the manufacture of explosives and propellants.
Hazard overview: The primary hazards associated with RDX are mass explosion hazards, where the entire load may detonate simultaneously, and severe blast overpressure and fragmentation. These hazards can be exacerbated by improper handling or storage of the material, particularly with regards to ignition sources and confinement.
Response guidance: In the event of an emergency involving RDX, it is essential to isolate the area, at least 500m in all directions, and evacuate personnel to a safe distance, considering a 1600m radius evacuation if fire or explosion is involved. Firefighters should not use foam or water on dry material, but flooding amounts of water may be used from a safe distance for fires involving desensitized or wetted RDX.
UN 0483 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0483
- 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
RDX is a white crystalline solid, odorless, and desensitized forms may appear as damp paste or wetted material to reduce explosion sensitivity.
| Also known as | RDXCycloniteHexogenT41,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexaneHexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine |
| CAS Number | 121-82-4 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid, odorless. Desensitized forms may appear as damp paste or wetted material to reduce explosion sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/detonates) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; water used as desensitizing agent |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0483
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
When handling RDX, personnel should wear minimum Level B protective equipment, including full face SCBA, and consider Level A if large quantities or confined spaces are involved, with careful attention to avoiding all sources of ignition, shock, friction, and static discharge
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0483 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 0483 — Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine; RDX, deseUse 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.