UN 3319 — Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, solid, n.o.s., with more than 2% but not more than 10% nitroglycerin
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 113. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3319 covers a solid desensitized nitroglycerin mixture containing more than 2% but not more than 10% nitroglycerin. The desensitizer reduces risk only while the material remains in proper condition.
Hazard overview: The material may burn and can become explosive if dried out, heated, shocked, or exposed to friction. Fire involvement or loss of desensitizer requires explosive-material precautions.
Response guidance: Avoid handling, keep personnel away, and isolate according to ERG 113. Use water spray from a safe distance to cool containers when appropriate, and treat dried or heated material as Class 1 explosive.
UN 3319 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3319
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an
- Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically,
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to pale yellow solid or paste, desensitized with diluent. Typically odorless or faint sweet odor. Consists of nitroglycerin diluted in a solid carrier or diatomaceous earth to reduce sensitivity.
| Also known as | Desensitized nitroglycerinNG mixtureNitroglycerin desensitized solidGlyceryl trinitrate mixture desensitized |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow solid or paste, desensitized with diluent. Typically odorless or faint sweet odor. Consists of nitroglycerin diluted in a solid carrier or diatomaceous earth to reduce sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (desensitized explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid mixture) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but drying out increases explosion hazard significantly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3319
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with full protective clothing and SCBA. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Treat as explosive if dried out or heated.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3319 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3319 — Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, solUse 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.