UN 0192 — Signals, railway track, explosive
Placard: Explosive 1.1G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0192 refers to railway track signals, also known as railway detonators or track torpedoes, which are small explosive devices clamped to rails to warn train operators of hazards ahead. These devices contain primary explosives and are classified as Division 1.1G, indicating a mass explosion hazard capable of detonating an entire load simultaneously.
Hazard overview: UN 0192 railway track signals present a severe mass explosion risk, with the potential for the entire shipment to detonate at once, producing deadly blast overpressure and fragmentation. These devices are highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any disturbance during an incident extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: Emergency responders should immediately isolate the area to a minimum of 500 meters (1,600 ft) in all directions and increase that distance to 800 meters (2,500 ft) if quantities exceed 50 kg or fire is involved. Do not attempt to fight fire directly involving UN 0192; instead, evacuate the public to at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) and allow the fire to burn under controlled isolation if extinguishment is not safely possible.
UN 0192 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0192
- 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 0192 railway track signals are small cylindrical or disc-shaped metal or plastic devices, often reddish-brown or metallic in appearance, designed to be clamped directly onto rail tracks.
| Also known as | Railway detonatorsTrack torpedoesRailroad track signalsExplosive warning devicesTrain warning signals |
| Appearance | Small metal or plastic devices containing primary explosives, typically cylindrical or disc-shaped, designed to be clamped onto railway tracks. Often reddish-brown or metallic in appearance. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but remains explosive when wet |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0192
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Full structural firefighting protective clothing with SCBA is mandatory if approach is absolutely necessary, though responders should be aware this gear provides only limited protection against blast and fragmentation from UN 0192.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0192 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 0192 — Signals, railway track, explosiveUse 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.