UN 0093 — Flares, aerial
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Flares, aerial, are pyrotechnic devices designed to produce intense bright light when ignited, and they pose a significant fire and fragmentation hazard. They are commonly used in aviation and maritime applications, and their improper use can lead to severe consequences.
Hazard overview: The substance poses a fire and fragmentation hazard, and its bright burning can cause eye hazards. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when handling this material, as it can be highly unstable and sensitive to heat and shock.
Response guidance: In the event of an emergency, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from the substance and evacuate the area immediately. Firefighters should approach the scene with caution, wearing Level B minimum protective gear, including SCBA, and full protective clothing due to intense heat, bright light, and fragmentation risk.
UN 0093 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0093
- Fire and fragmentation hazard
- Bright burning — eye hazard
- May ignite surrounding materials
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
The substance is a solid pyrotechnic device containing metal powders, typically magnesium or aluminum, and oxidizers in cylindrical cartridges, designed to produce intense bright light when ignited.
| Also known as | Aerial flaresSignal flaresIlluminating flaresPyrotechnic aerial signals |
| Appearance | Solid pyrotechnic devices containing metal powders (typically magnesium or aluminum) and oxidizers in cylindrical cartridges. Designed to produce intense bright light when ignited. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic composition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid pyrotechnic) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water if composition contains reactive metals; some formulations contain water-reactive magnesium |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0093
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum protective gear is required, including SCBA, and full protective clothing due to intense heat, bright light, and fragmentation risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0093 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; keep unauthorized personnel away
- Stage upwind; deny entry
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and SOP/SOG
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0093 — Flares, aerialUse 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.