UN 0411 — PETN, with not less than 7% wax
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0411 is pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) desensitized with not less than 7% wax, classified as Explosive 1.1D. The wax coating reduces initiation sensitivity, but the material retains a mass explosion hazard under fire or shock conditions.
Hazard overview: UN 0411 presents a mass explosion risk in which the entire shipment can detonate simultaneously, generating severe blast overpressure and fragmentation. The addition of wax lowers shock sensitivity but does not eliminate the explosive hazard under fire exposure or strong initiation stimulus.
Response guidance: Responders must isolate a minimum of 500 meters in all directions and evacuate 1600 meters downwind if fire is involved. Water and foam must not be used, as they can increase mass and shock sensitivity; withdrawal rather than active firefighting is strongly preferred.
UN 0411 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0411
- 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 0411 appears as a white odorless crystalline powder or granular solid, desensitized with wax to form a less impact-sensitive mixture suitable for controlled transport.
| Also known as | Pentaerythritol tetranitratePenthritePETNNitropentaPentrite |
| CAS Number | 78-11-5 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granular solid, odorless. Desensitized with wax to reduce sensitivity to initiation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively at 205-215C) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, insoluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0411
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level A protection is required when fire is involved; structural firefighting gear is inadequate, SCBA is mandatory, and no direct contact with the material should occur under any circumstances.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0411 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 0411 — PETN, with not less than 7% waxUse 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.