UN 0154 — Trinitrophenol; Picric acid, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0154, Trinitrophenol (Picric acid), is a yellow crystalline explosive solid classified as a Class 1.1D mass explosion hazard capable of detonating an entire load simultaneously. It is extremely sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, and must be treated with the same precautions applied to military-grade explosives.
Hazard overview: UN 0154 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire load may detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and fragmentation. The dry form is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, and contact with metal containers can form shock-sensitive picrate salts.
Response guidance: Emergency responders should isolate a minimum of 500 meters (1,600 ft) in all directions and evacuate at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) if fire or explosion risk is present, per ERG Guide 112. Bomb squad or explosive ordnance disposal personnel should be requested immediately, and responders must approach only from upwind and uphill positions.
UN 0154 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0154
- 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 0154 is a yellow crystalline solid with a bitter taste and an odorless to slightly aromatic odor that becomes extremely explosive when dry.
| Also known as | Picric acid2,4,6-TrinitrophenolTNPPicronitric acidMeliniteLydditeShimose |
| CAS Number | 88-89-1 |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline solid with a bitter taste. Odorless to slight aromatic odor. Highly explosive when dry. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Explodes above 300C (572F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; forms shock-sensitive metal salts with metal containers. Dry material extremely sensitive. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0154
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level A chemical protective suit with full-face SCBA is required for any approach to UN 0154, with strict upwind and uphill positioning maintained at all times.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0154 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 0154 — Trinitrophenol; Picric acid, dryUse 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.