☣️ UN 3380 • CLASS 4
UN 3380 — Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 113. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
UN 3380 is Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s., a not-otherwise-specified hazmat entry assigned to ERG Guide 113. The exact product name on shipping papers and the SDS determine the final hazards, but initial response should assume the listed DOT hazard until proven otherwise.
Hazard overview: The main hazard is fire or explosion if the desensitizer is lost. Dried material can become shock-, friction-, and heat-sensitive.
Response guidance: For UN 3380, isolate the area, avoid shock and friction, prevent drying, cool exposed containers from distance, and treat dried or burning material as an explosive hazard.
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UN 3380 Quick Details
UN 3380
Product name: Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Flammable Solid
ERG Guide: 113 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 113: isolate spill area minimum 100m all directions; if material is dry or fire involved, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
Common Hazards of UN 3380
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an explosive hazard.
- Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on the specific explosive compound; typically a solid material wetted or mixed with water, alcohol, or other desensitizing agents to reduce explosion hazard during transport. Color and texture vary by base explosive.
| Also known as | Wetted explosive solidPhlegmatized explosiveDesensitized explosive NOSWater-wet explosive material |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on the specific explosive compound; typically a solid material wetted or mixed with water, alcohol, or other desensitizing agents to reduce explosion hazard during transport. Color and texture vary by base explosive. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (desensitized explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water when properly desensitized; however, loss of desensitizing agent increases explosion risk |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3380
Extinguishing Media
Water spray to keep cool, DO NOT use dry chemicals or CO2; avoid shock or friction
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA mandatory; approach with extreme caution; remote water application preferred
Use SCBA and protective clothing from a defensive distance. Avoid shock, friction and unnecessary handling; involve bomb squad/EOD if material is dry or unstable.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 113: isolate spill area minimum 100m all directions; if material is dry or fire involved, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 113).
First Actions for a UN 3380 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3380 — Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3380
Product: Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Flammable Solid / ERG 113
PPE: Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA mandatory; approach with extreme caution; remote water application preferred
ISOLATION: ERG 113: isolate spill area minimum 100m all directions; if material is dry or fire involved, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3380 — Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Flammable Solid | ERG Guide: 113
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on the specific explosive compound; typically a solid material wetted or mixed with water, alcohol, or other desensitizing agents to reduce explosion hazard during transport. Color and texture vary by base explosive.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water when properly desensitized; however, loss of desensitizing agent increases explosion risk
Extinguishing: Water spray to keep cool, DO NOT use dry chemicals or CO2; avoid shock or friction
PPE: Level B minimum with structural firefighting gear; SCBA mandatory; approach with extreme caution; remote water application preferred
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate spill area minimum 100m all directions; if material is dry or fire involved, isolate 800m and evacuate 1600m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an explosive hazard.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/desensitized-explosive-solid-n-un-3380 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3380 Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG113 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/desensitized-explosive-solid-n-un-3380SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/desensitized-explosive-solid-n-un-3380
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3380
UN 3380 is Desensitized explosive, solid, n.o.s.. It is assigned to ERG Guide 113 for initial emergency response.
The wetting or desensitizing agent lowers explosion sensitivity. If the material dries out, it may become shock-, friction-, or heat-sensitive.
It is shipped desensitized or wetted, but dried or heated material should be treated as an explosive hazard.
Cool containers from a distance and prevent drying. Do not disturb dried material; request specialist explosive/hazmat support.
SCBA and protective clothing are needed, but distance and isolation are the primary protection if drying, fire or explosion risk is present.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.