UN 0340 — Nitrocellulose, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0340 is dry nitrocellulose classified as a Class 1.1D explosive, meaning the entire load presents a mass explosion hazard capable of simultaneous detonation with devastating blast overpressure and fragmentation effects. This white to slightly yellow fibrous or cottony solid is highly flammable and shock-sensitive when dry, making it one of the most hazardous materials encountered in transport incidents.
Hazard overview: Dry nitrocellulose under UN 0340 can detonate as a mass explosion, generating severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation that endangers responders and the public across a wide radius. Its extreme sensitivity to heat, friction, and shock requires that all ignition sources and mechanical disturbance be eliminated immediately upon identification.
Response guidance: ERG Guide 112 mandates a 500-meter all-direction isolation immediately, with evacuation extending to 1,600 meters downwind if material is on fire; mass evacuation should be considered for large quantities. Only water fog applied from maximum standoff distance is appropriate for fire suppression — CO2 and dry chemical are ineffective on bulk fires of this material.
UN 0340 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0340
- 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 0340 dry nitrocellulose appears as a white to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cottony mass, odorless or with a faint ether-like odor, and is dangerously flammable and explosive in its dry state.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateGuncottonPyroxylinCollodion cottonFlash paper |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cottony mass. Odorless or slight ether-like odor. Highly flammable and explosive when dry. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but wetting with water or alcohol is used as stabilizer to reduce explosion hazard |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0340
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level A minimum protection with full structural firefighting gear and SCBA is required; eliminate all ignition sources and avoid any friction or impact with the material.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0340 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 0340 — Nitrocellulose, dryUse 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.