UN 0180 — Rockets, with bursting charge
Placard: Explosive 1.1F. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0180 covers rockets fitted with a high-explosive bursting charge, classified as Division 1.1F explosives capable of mass detonation. These cylindrical, metal-cased military devices contain both a propellant and a high-explosive warhead, making the entire load susceptible to simultaneous detonation.
Hazard overview: UN 0180 rockets present a mass explosion hazard, meaning the complete shipment can detonate at once, generating severe blast overpressure and high-velocity fragmentation across a wide area. These devices are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any incident involving them extraordinarily dangerous for responders and the surrounding population.
Response guidance: Upon identifying UN 0180 at an incident, responders must immediately withdraw and establish an isolation perimeter of at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. If fire or detonation is involved, the evacuation zone must be expanded to 3,200 meters (2 miles) radius; do not attempt to fight fires involving these rockets.
UN 0180 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0180
- 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 0180 rockets are cylindrical explosive devices, typically metal-cased with stabilizing fins, containing both a propellant charge and a high-explosive bursting warhead, with coloring that varies by military specification.
| Also known as | Explosive rocketsBursting charge rocketsMilitary rockets with HE warheadPyrotechnic rockets with bursting charge |
| Appearance | Cylindrical explosive devices containing propellant and a high-explosive bursting charge. Typically metal-cased with stabilizing fins. Color varies by military specification. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive ordnance) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive ordnance) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid munition) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water but some explosive components may be water-sensitive; do not use water on rocket motors |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0180
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Standard structural firefighting gear with SCBA is wholly inadequate for UN 0180 incidents — responders must maintain maximum standoff distance and evacuate the area rather than attempt any intervention.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0180 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 0180 — Rockets, with bursting chargeUse 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.