UN 0143 — Nitroglycerin, desensitized
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0143 refers to desensitized nitroglycerin, a powerful explosive liquid known chemically as glyceryl trinitrate, formulated with desensitizing agents to reduce but not eliminate its detonation sensitivity. Despite desensitization, this material retains a mass explosion hazard classification under Explosive 1.1D and must be treated with extreme caution at all times.
Hazard overview: UN 0143 presents a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire load can detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and potentially lethal fragmentation across a wide area. The desensitized nitroglycerin mixture remains sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any rough handling, fire exposure, or mechanical impact a potential trigger for detonation.
Response guidance: Emergency responders should immediately isolate the area to at least 800 meters in all directions and consider evacuation up to 1600 meters if fire is involved or detonation is imminent. Do not attempt to fight fires directly involving UN 0143; instead, apply water spray from a safe distance to cool surrounding containers and prevent sympathetic detonation.
UN 0143 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0143
- 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 0143 desensitized nitroglycerin appears as a pale yellow to colorless oily liquid in its pure form, though desensitized versions exist as mixtures or solutions that may differ in appearance, and carry a practically odorless to faintly aromatic scent.
| Also known as | Glyceryl trinitrateTrinitroglycerin1,2,3-Propanetriol trinitrateNitroglycerolNGGTN |
| CAS Number | 55-63-0 |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid when pure; desensitized forms are mixtures or solutions with reduced sensitivity. Practically odorless or slight aromatic odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive liquid) |
| Boiling Point | Explodes at approximately 50-60C (122-140F) before normal boiling occurs |
| Vapor Density | 7.6 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but maintain desensitization |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0143
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level A protection consisting of a fully encapsulating chemical suit with self-contained breathing apparatus, and may approach only if specifically trained in explosives handling while strictly avoiding all sources of shock, friction, and heat.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0143 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 0143 — Nitroglycerin, desensitizedUse 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.