UN 0196 — Signals, smoke
Placard: Explosive 1.1G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0196 Signals, smoke are solid pyrotechnic devices in cylindrical or canister form containing chemical mixtures that produce colored smoke upon ignition. These devices present a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire load can detonate simultaneously under adverse conditions.
Hazard overview: UN 0196 poses a mass explosion hazard with potential for severe blast overpressure and fragmentation, and the entire cargo load may detonate simultaneously. These devices are highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any disturbance during an incident extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must isolate UN 0196 incidents in all directions for a minimum of 500 meters (1,600 feet), expanding to a 1,600-meter (1-mile) evacuation radius if the cargo is involved in fire. Water and foam must never be used to extinguish burning UN 0196 devices; dry sand or earth should be used to smother flames from maximum possible distance.
UN 0196 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0196
- 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 0196 devices are solid pyrotechnic canisters or cylinders containing color-producing chemical compositions available in red, orange, white, or other formulations depending on intended use.
| Also known as | Smoke signalsPyrotechnic smoke signalsMarine smoke signalsDistress smoke signalsSignal flares (smoke type) |
| Appearance | Solid pyrotechnic devices typically in cylindrical or canister form, containing chemical mixtures that produce colored smoke when ignited. May be red, orange, white, or other colors depending on formulation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic composition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid pyrotechnic device) |
| Water Reactivity | May contain water-reactive components; keep dry to prevent degradation or unintended ignition |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0196
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders handling UN 0196 incidents must wear Level B protection minimum with SCBA and full protective clothing to guard against explosion, fragmentation, and toxic smoke exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0196 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 0196 — Signals, smokeUse 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.