UN 0498 — Propellant, solid
Placard: Explosive 1.1C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0498 solid propellant is a rubbery or hard solid material, gray to black in color, odorless or with slight chemical odor, designed to burn rapidly when ignited. It remains solid at room temperature and is highly explosive.
Hazard overview: UN 0498 solid propellant poses a mass explosion hazard, with the entire load potentially detonating simultaneously, and severe blast overpressure and fragmentation can occur. The explosive material can cause catastrophic damage if not handled properly.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, isolate the area 800m in all directions and consider initial evacuation for 1600m if fire or major spill occurs. Do not use water, foam, or any extinguishing agent, and flooding of the fire area may be necessary from a safe distance.
UN 0498 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0498
- 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 0498 solid propellant is a rubbery or hard solid material, gray to black in color, odorless or with slight chemical odor, designed to burn rapidly when ignited.
| Also known as | Solid rocket propellantComposite propellantRocket motor propellantSolid fuel propellant |
| Appearance | Typically a rubbery or hard solid material, gray to black in color, odorless or with slight chemical odor. Remains solid at room temperature and is designed to burn rapidly when ignited. |
| 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 water should not be used for firefighting due to explosion hazard |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0498
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Full structural firefighting protective clothing provides limited protection against UN 0498 solid propellant, and fragment protection is recommended.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0498 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 0498 — Propellant, solidUse 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.