UN 0160 — Powder, smokeless
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0160, Smokeless Powder, is a nitrocellulose-based explosive propellant classified as Class 1 Explosive with a 1.1C placard, indicating a mass explosion hazard. Emergency responders must treat any incident involving UN 0160 as a potential simultaneous detonation event affecting the entire load.
Hazard overview: UN 0160 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire shipment can detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and fragmentation. The material is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, meaning even minor mechanical disturbance or elevated temperature can trigger detonation.
Response guidance: ERG Guide 112 directs responders to isolate a minimum of 500 meters (1,600 feet) in all directions and to evacuate at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) downwind if a fire is involved. Responders must maintain maximum standoff distance and should never attempt to fight a fire directly involving UN 0160 due to the imminent mass detonation risk.
UN 0160 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0160
- 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 0160 Smokeless Powder appears as uniform gray to black granules or flakes with little to no detectable odor, manufactured specifically as a propellant for firearms and ammunition.
| Also known as | Smokeless powderNitrocellulose-based propellantGun powder (modern)Propellant powderNitrocellulose powder |
| Appearance | Gray to black granular or flake solid powder with little to no odor. Manufactured propellant for firearms and ammunition, typically appearing as uniform granules or flakes. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes explosively) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture can affect stability over time |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0160
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
A minimum of Level B protection with full-face SCBA is required for UN 0160 incidents, as standard structural firefighter gear is considered inadequate for explosive emergencies of this type.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0160 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 0160 — Powder, smokelessUse 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.