UN 0445 — Nitrocellulose, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0445 is Nitrocellulose, dry, a Class 1.1C explosive entry assigned to ERG Guide 112. This entry requires isolation, evacuation and qualified explosive specialist support as primary responder priorities.
Hazard overview: UN 0445 presents a serious explosive hazard when exposed to fire, impact, shock, friction or other initiating conditions. Depending on division and quantity, detonation or projection may create severe blast, fragmentation and secondary debris hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 0445 incident, responders should confirm the material using shipping papers, placards, package markings, SDS where applicable and ERG Guide 112. Establish incident command, isolate the area, deny entry, request law enforcement and EOD support, and withdraw personnel if fire involves the explosive material or containers.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize recognizing Class 1 explosive placards, establishing command early, using standoff distance, denying entry and requesting bomb squad or EOD support. Common tactical errors include approaching packages for identification, moving damaged items, fighting fire too close and underestimating fragmentation distance. Use ERG 112, shipping papers and local explosive incident SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitrocellulose, dry is regulated as a Class 1 explosive hazardous material. Transportation, storage, quantity limits, fire code controls and reporting requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS or product documents and applicable DOT, ATF, OSHA, NFPA, military, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitrocellulose, dry should be stored only in approved packaging, magazines or authorized explosive storage areas, separated from ignition sources, incompatible materials and unauthorized access. Packages should be protected from heat, impact, friction, moisture where relevant and physical damage according to product documentation and applicable explosive storage regulations.
UN 0445 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0445
- Mass explosion hazard may exist for this division and quantity, especially if dry nitrocellulose is initiated or involved in severe fire conditions.
- Dry nitrocellulose can be highly sensitive to heat, flame, friction, impact and static discharge.
- Fire can spread rapidly and may transition to violent decomposition or detonation depending on quantity and confinement.
- Smoke from fire may contain irritating or toxic nitrogen oxides and other combustion products.
- Mechanical disturbance of damaged or fire-exposed material may increase initiation risk.
- Nearby combustibles or explosives may worsen fire spread and blast consequences.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cottony material. Odorless or slight ether-like odor. Highly flammable and explosive when dry.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitratePyroxylinGuncottonFlash paperCollodion cottonNitrocotton |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow fibrous solid or cottony material. 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 reduces explosion hazard |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0445
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
For UN 0445, distance, cover and evacuation are more important than close-range PPE. Structural firefighting gear and SCBA may be used only for remote exposure protection or support roles; direct approach or handling should be limited to qualified EOD or explosive specialists under incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0445 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the hazard area.
- Stage responders upwind, uphill and outside the recommended isolation distance.
- Request law enforcement, bomb squad or EOD, hazmat and additional command resources immediately.
- Do not handle, move or disturb explosive articles unless directed by qualified explosive ordnance personnel.
- Do not fight fire involving explosives at close range; withdraw and protect life safety first.
- Protect exposures only from a safe, remote position if directed by incident command and local SOP.
- Use ERG Guide 112, shipping papers and incident command to set isolation and evacuation distances.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0445 — 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.