UN 0343 — Nitrocellulose, plasticized
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0343, Nitrocellulose plasticized, is a Class 1.3C explosive shipped as a white to yellowish fibrous solid or film, treated with plasticizers such as camphor to reduce explosive sensitivity and improve stability during transport. The plasticizer serves a critical desensitizing function, and any process that removes or degrades it increases the material's ignition hazard significantly.
Hazard overview: UN 0343 carries a fire and burning hazard with the potential for intense heat generation and fragment projection, but is not a mass explosion risk under its plasticized transport classification. Loss or evaporation of the plasticizing agent through improper storage or fire exposure can elevate its sensitivity toward that of unplasticized nitrocellulose.
Response guidance: Per ERG Guide 112, responders should immediately isolate the area 500 meters in all directions for spills and evacuate 1600 meters downwind if the material is on fire. Water spray is appropriate for cooling and control; avoid applying agents that could remove or dilute the plasticizer, and do not allow the material to reach a state where plasticizer content is compromised.
UN 0343 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0343
- 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 0343 is a white to yellowish fibrous solid or film with a characteristic camphor-like odor derived from its plasticizers, supplied in dampened or plasticized form specifically to reduce its explosive sensitivity during shipment.
| Also known as | Cellulose nitrateNitrated celluloseGuncotton (plasticized)PyroxylinCollodion cotton |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to yellowish fibrous solid or film, often with a characteristic camphor-like odor from plasticizers. Supplied in dampened or plasticized form to reduce explosive sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; however, wetting is used as a stabilization measure during transport |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0343
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders require a minimum of Level B protection with SCBA and full structural firefighting gear, adding a face shield during any active fire response to protect against heat flux and potential fragment hazards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0343 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 0343 — Nitrocellulose, plasticizedUse 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.