UN 0238 — Rockets, line-throwing
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0238 covers line-throwing rockets, which are solid propellant devices in cylindrical metal or composite casings designed to carry a rescue or mooring line across water or difficult terrain. These devices contain explosive propellant and may incorporate pyrotechnic signaling components, classifying them as Class 1 Explosive 1.3G materials under ERG Guide 112.
Hazard overview: UN 0238 line-throwing rockets present a fire and burning hazard with no risk of mass detonation, but they can deflagrate and initiate adjacent explosive or flammable materials. Intense heat release and potential fragment projection up to 300 meters make these devices dangerous to personnel and nearby structures during an incident.
Response guidance: Responders must not use water or foam on burning UN 0238 rockets, as water can degrade propellant integrity and is ineffective on explosive solids with self-contained oxidizers. Small fires may be smothered with dry chemical, sand, or earth, but larger fires should be allowed to burn out unless they directly threaten occupied structures or additional hazardous materials.
UN 0238 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0238
- 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 0238 line-throwing rockets are solid propellant devices housed in cylindrical metal or composite casings, typically colored red or orange, and may contain additional pyrotechnic illuminating or signaling components.
| Also known as | Line-throwing rocketsDistress signal rocketsMarine line-throwing apparatusShip-to-ship line rockets |
| Appearance | Solid propellant rockets in cylindrical metal or composite casings, typically red or orange colored, designed to carry a line for rescue or mooring operations. Contains explosive propellant and may include pyrotechnic illuminating or signaling components. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid with self-contained oxidizer) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid explosive composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water, but moisture can degrade propellant over time; do not use water to extinguish burning rockets |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0238
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders handling UN 0238 incidents must wear a minimum of Level B protection with structural firefighting gear and SCBA, and must maintain blast-resistant cover due to fragment projection risk extending up to 300 meters.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0238 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 0238 — Rockets, line-throwingUse 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.