UN 0183 — Rockets, with expelling charge
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0183 covers rockets fitted with an expelling charge, classified as Explosive 1.3C, which presents a fire and deflagration hazard rather than a mass explosion risk. These pyrotechnic devices include signal rockets, illuminating rockets, and line-throwing rockets that can project fragments and generate intense heat upon activation or involvement in fire.
Hazard overview: UN 0183 rockets with expelling charge are capable of deflagrating and initiating adjacent combustible or explosive materials, creating a propagating fire and fragment hazard. Intense heat release and possible fragment projection make these devices dangerous to personnel and surrounding structures even without a mass detonation event.
Response guidance: Emergency responders should immediately isolate the spill or leak area for at least 500 meters in all directions and expand evacuation to 1600 meters if fire is involved, per ERG Guide 112. Fire involving UN 0183 devices must be fought from maximum possible distance using unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles, never from close range.
UN 0183 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0183
- 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 0183 rockets are cylindrical solid assemblies containing pyrotechnic composition and propellant with an integrated expelling charge mechanism, available in various sizes and potentially incorporating colored flares or illuminants.
| Also known as | Signal rocketsIlluminating rocketsLine-throwing rocketsPyrotechnic rockets with expelling charge |
| Appearance | Cylindrical devices containing pyrotechnic composition and propellant with an expelling charge mechanism. Typically solid assemblies in various sizes, may contain colored flares or illuminants. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive article) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | May contain water-reactive pyrotechnic compositions; avoid water contact unless specified safe by manufacturer |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0183
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders handling UN 0183 incidents require a minimum of Level B protection with full structural firefighting gear and SCBA, maintaining maximum safe standoff distance due to the risk of fragment projection and intense heat exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0183 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 0183 — Rockets, with expelling 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.