UN 0083 — Explosive, blasting, type C
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0083, classified as Explosive Blasting Type C under hazard class 1.1D, is a commercial blasting explosive that presents a mass explosion hazard capable of detonating an entire load simultaneously. Responders must treat any incident involving this material as an extreme life-safety emergency requiring immediate large-scale evacuation.
Hazard overview: UN 0083 carries a severe mass explosion risk, meaning the full quantity on scene may detonate at once, generating deadly blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation. The material is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any direct intervention by emergency personnel extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: If UN 0083 is directly involved in fire or exposed to shock, evacuate all personnel to a minimum distance of 1,600 meters (1 mile) in all directions and do not attempt to fight the fire. Unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles may be used from maximum distance only if the explosive is not actively detonating and only after consultation with a certified explosives expert.
UN 0083 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0083
- 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 0083 typically appears as a granular or powdered solid ranging in color from tan to gray, packaged in bags or transported in bulk, and may emit a slight petroleum odor if formulated with fuel oil such as in ANFO variants.
| Also known as | Type C blasting explosiveCommercial blasting agentANFO (if ammonium nitrate/fuel oil based)Bulk explosivesBlasting compound |
| Appearance | Typically a granular or powdered solid mixture, often tan to gray in color. May be packaged in bags or loaded in bulk. Odorless or slight petroleum odor if fuel oil is present. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/detonates) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water but may degrade over time; avoid contamination as it may affect detonation properties |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0083
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Personnel must wear full structural firefighting gear with SCBA only when addressing peripheral fires that do not directly involve the explosive, and must not approach the material without prior consultation with a certified explosives expert.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0083 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 0083 — Explosive, blasting, type CUse 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.