UN 0073 — Detonators for ammunition
Placard: Explosive 1.1B. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0073 covers detonators for ammunition, commonly known as blasting caps or electric detonators, classified as Explosive 1.1B due to their mass explosion potential. These small but highly sensitive initiating devices are designed to trigger secondary explosives and must be handled exclusively by trained explosive ordnance personnel.
Hazard overview: UN 0073 detonators present a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire load may detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and deadly fragmentation. These devices are acutely sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any uncontrolled exposure extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: Upon encountering UN 0073 in an emergency, immediately isolate the area in all directions to a minimum of 500 meters and evacuate downwind to at least 1600 meters if fire or a large spill is present. No direct firefighting should be attempted; if covering is necessary, use dry sand or earth and allow only trained explosive ordnance personnel to approach.
UN 0073 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0073
- 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 0073 detonators are small metallic or plastic cylindrical devices, typically silver, copper, or aluminum in color, containing primary explosives and designed to initiate secondary explosives through percussion, electrical, or chemical means.
| Also known as | blasting capselectric detonatorsexplosive initiatorspercussion capsprimer detonators |
| Appearance | Small metallic or plastic cylindrical devices containing primary explosives, typically silver, copper, or aluminum colored. Designed to initiate secondary explosives through percussion, electrical, or chemical means. |
| 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 must be kept dry to prevent electrical malfunction or degradation |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0073
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
If exposure to UN 0073 is unavoidable, only trained explosive ordnance personnel should approach, wearing SCBA and full protective equipment, while all other responders evacuate the area immediately.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0073 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 0073 — Detonators for ammunitionUse 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.