UN 0094 — Flash powder
Placard: Explosive 1.1G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0094, Flash Powder, is a fine metallic powder mixture classified as an Explosive 1.1G, capable of mass detonation of the entire load simultaneously. It is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making it one of the most hazardous pyrotechnic materials encountered in emergency response.
Hazard overview: UN 0094 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire shipment may detonate at once, generating severe blast overpressure and fragmentation capable of causing casualties at significant distance. The material is also sensitive to water contact when magnesium-based, which can increase its sensitivity and risk of ignition.
Response guidance: For any incident involving UN 0094, establish an immediate isolation zone of 500 meters in all directions and evacuate at least 1,600 meters downwind in the event of fire or a large spill. Do not apply water or foam to fires involving this material; use dry sand or inert material only for small fires, and evacuate the area for larger incidents.
UN 0094 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0094
- 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 0094 Flash Powder is an odorless, fine gray to silver metallic powder typically composed of aluminum or magnesium combined with oxidizing agents such as potassium perchlorate.
| Also known as | Photoflash powderPyrotechnic flash compositionFlash compositionMagnesium flash powder |
| Appearance | Fine gray to silver metallic powder mixture, typically composed of aluminum or magnesium metal combined with oxidizing agents such as potassium perchlorate. Odorless when dry. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water if magnesium-based; keep dry to prevent degradation and sensitivity increase |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0094
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level A protective equipment with SCBA mandatory, following full explosive ordnance disposal protocols and utilizing remote operations whenever possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0094 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 0094 — Flash powderUse 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.