UN 0151 — PETN; Penthrite
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0151, known as PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate) or Penthrite, is a high explosive classified as Class 1.1D with a mass explosion hazard capable of detonating the entire load simultaneously. Emergency responders must treat any incident involving UN 0151 with extreme caution due to its acute sensitivity to shock, friction, and heat, especially when contaminated or under pressure.
Hazard overview: UN 0151 presents a catastrophic mass explosion risk, meaning the entire quantity can detonate at once, producing severe blast overpressure and lethal fragmentation across a wide area. The material is particularly dangerous because contamination or mechanical stress dramatically increases its sensitivity to initiation.
Response guidance: Upon arrival at a UN 0151 incident, immediately isolate the area for at least 500 meters in all directions and deny entry to all non-essential personnel. If fire or explosion is already involved, the evacuation zone must be extended to 1600 meters in all directions due to the mass explosion potential.
UN 0151 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0151
- 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 0151 PETN is a white crystalline solid or powder that is odorless and insoluble in water, and while chemically stable in its pure form, it becomes highly sensitive to shock, friction, and heat when contaminated or compressed.
| Also known as | Pentaerythritol tetranitratePETNPenthriteNitropentaPentritePentaerythrite tetranitrate |
| CAS Number | 78-11-5 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder, odorless. Stable when pure but highly sensitive to shock, friction, and heat when contaminated or pressed. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water, no significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0151
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders approaching a significant release of UN 0151 must wear Level A protective clothing with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and should do so only when absolutely necessary and with extreme caution.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0151 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 0151 — PETN; PenthriteUse 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.