UN 0341 — Nitrocellulose, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0341 is dry nitrocellulose shipped as a Class 1.3C explosive, presenting a significant fire and burning hazard with intense heat output and potential fragment projection, but without the mass explosion risk associated with Class 1.1 divisions. This white to slightly yellow fibrous solid is highly flammable at room temperature and may carry a faint ether-like odor if residual solvents are present.
Hazard overview: UN 0341 dry nitrocellulose burns intensely and rapidly, releasing high heat and potentially projecting fragments from ruptured containers, though it does not present the mass detonation risk of Class 1.1D nitrocellulose. Its dry state significantly increases sensitivity to ignition from heat, friction, or static electricity, requiring strict source-elimination protocols at any incident scene.
Response guidance: ERG Guide 112 requires initial isolation of 500 meters in all directions, expanding to 1,600-meter downwind evacuation if the material is on fire or fire-involved. Do not apply water to dry nitrocellulose fires; use dry chemical, sand, or CO2, and reserve water only for wetted material scenarios.
UN 0341 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0341
- Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
- Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
- May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
- Smoke and toxic combustion products.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0341 dry nitrocellulose is a white to slightly yellow cotton-like fibrous solid, highly flammable at ambient temperature, with a possible faint ether-like odor from residual solvents.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateGuncottonPyroxylinNitrocottonCollodion cotton |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cotton-like material. Odorless when pure, may have slight ether-like odor if residual solvents present. Highly flammable solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid, ignites readily) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling, auto-ignites at approximately 160-170C) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but may increase sensitivity when dry |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0341
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with full fire-resistant protective clothing and SCBA is required; avoid static-generating materials and eliminate all ignition sources before approaching.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0341 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Control ignition sources; deny entry.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0341 — 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.