UN 0150 — Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted; PETN
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0150 is Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted; PETN, a Class 1 explosive substance assigned to ERG Guide 112. It is shipped wetted or desensitized to reduce sensitivity, but it can become much more dangerous if it dries, heats or is contaminated.
Hazard overview: UN 0150 presents a mass explosion hazard if initiated. The wetting or desensitizing liquid reduces sensitivity during normal transport, but drying, fire exposure, shock, friction or contamination can increase detonation risk. Damaged, leaking or drying material should be treated as extremely hazardous.
Response guidance: For a UN 0150 incident, responders should verify the product and wetting/desensitizing condition using shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 112. Establish isolation, deny entry, request EOD or explosive specialist support and withdraw immediately if fire, drying or package damage is suspected.
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: Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted; PETN is regulated as a Class 1 explosive hazardous material. Transport, storage, reporting and scene-control requirements may involve DOT, ATF, OSHA, military, state or local authorities depending on ownership and quantity. Responders should verify requirements through shipping papers, facility documents, law enforcement and current regulations.
Storage & handling: Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted; PETN should be stored only in approved explosive magazines or authorized 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 0150 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0150
- Mass explosion hazard; the entire load may detonate simultaneously if initiated.
- Severe blast overpressure, fragmentation and debris may extend far beyond the immediate container or vehicle.
- Explosive articles or substances may be sensitive to heat, shock, friction, impact or fire exposure.
- Fire involving the material can transition rapidly to detonation without reliable warning.
- Secondary fires, projectiles and container fragments may create hazards after an initial event.
- Smoke from fire may contain irritating or toxic combustion products.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline solid or wetted paste/slurry. Odorless or slight characteristic odor. Typically shipped wetted with water or alcohol to reduce sensitivity.
| Also known as | PETNPentaerythritol tetranitrateNitropentaPenthriteCorpent |
| CAS Number | 78-11-5 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or wetted paste/slurry. Odorless or slight characteristic odor. Typically shipped wetted with water or alcohol to reduce sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/explodes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water; water is used as desensitizer/phlegmatizer |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0150
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
For UN 0150, 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 0150 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 0150 — Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted; PETUse 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.