UN 0030 — Detonators, electric, for blasting
Placard: Explosive 1.1B. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0030 covers electric detonators used for blasting, which are small cylindrical devices containing primary and secondary explosive charges designed for remote electrical initiation. These devices present a Class 1.1B mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire load can detonate simultaneously with catastrophic force.
Hazard overview: The primary danger of UN 0030 is a mass explosion hazard, where the complete load may detonate simultaneously, generating severe blast overpressure and deadly fragmentation. These detonators are highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any physical disturbance or heat exposure potentially catastrophic.
Response guidance: Upon encountering UN 0030, emergency responders should immediately isolate the area 500 meters (1,600 feet) in all directions and expand the evacuation zone to 1,600 meters (1 mile) if fire or an explosion is suspected. Do not attempt to fight fires involving these devices; instead, evacuate the area and allow the material to burn under controlled isolation.
UN 0030 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0030
- 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 0030 electric detonators are small cylindrical devices with aluminum or copper shell bodies housing primary and secondary explosive charges, designed to be triggered remotely by an electrical signal.
| Also known as | Electric blasting capsElectric detonatorsElectrically-initiated detonatorsBlasting detonatorsElectric igniters |
| Appearance | Small cylindrical metal or plastic devices containing primary and secondary explosive charges, typically aluminum or copper shell bodies. Designed for remote electrical initiation of blasting operations. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may affect electrical reliability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0030
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level B protection minimum, including SCBA and full protective clothing, while maintaining maximum possible standoff distance from UN 0030 and eliminating all sources of ignition, heat, shock, and friction.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0030 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 0030 — Detonators, electric, for blastingUse 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.