UN 0241 — Explosive, blasting, type E
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0241, Explosive Blasting Type E, is a Class 1.1D explosive material capable of mass detonation of the entire load simultaneously. These solid formulations, which may appear as crystalline powders, plastic putty-like compositions, or cast blocks, are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
Hazard overview: UN 0241 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire shipment may detonate at once, producing severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation. The material is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, meaning even minor disturbances during a fire or accident scenario can trigger catastrophic detonation.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must isolate the scene a minimum of 800 meters in all directions and evacuate all personnel to at least 1,600 meters if fire involvement or shock-sensitive conditions are present. Direct firefighting is not recommended; if fire cannot be controlled remotely, all personnel should withdraw and allow the fire to burn under established isolation perimeters.
UN 0241 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0241
- 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 0241 typically appears as a solid in forms ranging from crystalline powder to plastic putty-like material or cast blocks, with colors varying from white and tan to brown or gray, and may emit a slight chemical odor depending on its specific formulation.
| Appearance | Varies by formulation — typically solid compositions ranging from crystalline powders to plastic putty-like materials or cast blocks. Color varies (white, tan, brown, or gray). May have slight chemical odor depending on components. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes or detonates before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though some formulations may be water-sensitive; consult specific product data |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0241
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Standard structural firefighting gear is inadequate for UN 0241 incidents; SCBA is mandatory if any approach is absolutely necessary, and remote or unmanned operations are strongly preferred to avoid personnel exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0241 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 0241 — Explosive, blasting, type EUse 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.