UN 1353 — Fabrics impregnated with weakly nitrated nitrocellulose, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1353 is Fabrics impregnated with weakly nitrated nitrocellulose, n.o.s., a nitrocellulose-based Class 4 flammable solid assigned to ERG Guide 133. It can burn rapidly and produce heavy toxic smoke, especially in storage or archive fire conditions.
Hazard overview: UN 1353 presents rapid-burning nitrocellulose fire hazards. Heat or sparks can ignite the film, and fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and dense smoke; large quantities may burn violently.
Response guidance: For a UN 1353 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid unnecessary disturbance of powder or damaged packaging, and use only extinguishing agents compatible with the specific material.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1353 should emphasize dust fire behavior, rapid surface burning, smoke exposure, compatible extinguishment and avoiding dust cloud generation. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Fabrics impregnated with weakly nitrated nitrocellulose, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Fabrics impregnated with weakly nitrated nitrocellulose, n.o.s. should be stored in compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Prevent dust release, friction, impact and unauthorized access.
UN 1353 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1353
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE nitrocellulose-based solid; may ignite readily from heat, sparks or flames.
- Can burn rapidly with intense heat and difficult-to-control flame spread.
- Confined or large quantities may create pressure, violent burning or fragment hazards.
- Fire may produce irritating and toxic gases including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
- May re-ignite after apparent extinguishment if hot material remains.
- Smoke exposure may be significant in storage or archive fires.
- Avoid unnecessary handling of fire-damaged material.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fabric material impregnated with nitrocellulose solution, typically off-white to yellowish in color. Solid material at room temperature with variable texture depending on fabric type.
| Also known as | Nitrocellulose-impregnated fabricsNitrated fabricCellulose nitrate fabricPyroxylin-treated fabric |
| Appearance | Fabric material impregnated with nitrocellulose solution, typically off-white to yellowish in color. Solid material at room temperature with variable texture depending on fabric type. |
| Flash Point | Varies by nitrocellulose content, typically 12-21C (54-70F) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid fabric material that decomposes) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but water may reduce flammability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1353
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, smoke, dust or confined-space exposure. Gloves, eye protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid dust generation and contaminated residue contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1353 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading powder during movement or cleanup.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if large quantities, dust clouds or fire involvement are present.
- Use ERG Guide 133, shipping papers, SDS and incident command for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1353 — Fabrics impregnated with weakly nitratedUse 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.