UN 0194 — Signals, distress, ship
Placard: Explosive 1.1G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0194 covers pyrotechnic ship distress signals, including marine flares and distress signal cartridges classified as Explosive 1.1G, indicating a mass explosion hazard. These devices contain explosive or flammable pyrotechnic compositions housed in metal or plastic casings designed to produce visible or audible signals for maritime emergencies.
Hazard overview: UN 0194 presents a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire cargo load can detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and dangerous fragmentation. These pyrotechnic devices are highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, and may also contain water-reactive metal powders that release hazardous gases upon contact with water.
Response guidance: Emergency responders should immediately isolate the incident area to a minimum of 500 meters in all directions and expand evacuation to a 1,600-meter radius if fire or cargo is involved, per ERG Guide 112. Extinguishment should only be attempted with dry sand or dry chemical powder, as water and foam are strictly prohibited due to water reactivity and the risk of triggering detonation.
UN 0194 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0194
- 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 0194 ship distress signals are solid-state pyrotechnic devices in metal or plastic casings that may appear red, orange, or white depending on their signal type.
| Also known as | Ship distress signalsMarine distress flaresPyrotechnic distress devicesMaritime emergency signalsDistress signal cartridges |
| Appearance | Pyrotechnic devices containing explosive or flammable compositions, typically in metal or plastic casings. Colors vary (red, orange, white). Solid state at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive pyrotechnic composition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/ignites) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid pyrotechnic device) |
| Water Reactivity | May contain water-reactive metal powders; avoid water contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0194
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear full structural firefighting PPE with SCBA at a minimum Level B protection, maintaining maximum safe standoff distance due to the mass explosion and fragmentation hazard.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0194 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 0194 — Signals, distress, shipUse 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.