UN 0161 — Powder, smokeless
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0161, Powder smokeless, is a nitrocellulose-based propellant solid classified as an Explosive 1.3C that presents a significant fire and deflagration risk rather than a mass explosion hazard. Emergency responders must treat any incident involving UN 0161 with extreme caution due to its potential to burn intensely and project fragments.
Hazard overview: UN 0161 can deflagrate rapidly, producing intense heat and potentially initiating surrounding combustible or explosive materials without a mass detonation event. Fragment projection is a serious secondary hazard during a deflagration event, posing lethal risk to personnel within the isolation zone.
Response guidance: When responding to a UN 0161 incident, apply water in flooding quantities from a safe distance and never direct a concentrated stream onto burning smokeless powder. All non-essential personnel must be evacuated to at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) in all directions if the material is involved in fire.
UN 0161 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0161
- Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
- Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
- May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
- Smoke and toxic combustion products.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0161 Powder smokeless is a granular or flake solid, typically gray to black in color, composed of nitrocellulose with or without nitroglycerin and stabilizers, and carries little to no detectable odor at ambient temperature.
| Also known as | Smokeless powderNitrocellulose propellantGun powder (modern)Single-base powderDouble-base powderPropellant powder |
| Appearance | Granular or flake solid, typically gray to black in color, odorless or slight chemical odor. Dry propellant powder at room temperature composed of nitrocellulose with or without nitroglycerin and stabilizers. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/deflagrates before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but should be kept dry to prevent degradation |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0161
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level B protection at minimum with full structural firefighting gear and SCBA, while maintaining maximum standoff distance to mitigate deflagration and fragment projection hazards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0161 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Control ignition sources; deny entry.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0161 — 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.