UN 0209 — Trinitrotoluene; TNT, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0209, Trinitrotoluene (TNT), is a pale yellow to brown crystalline explosive solid classified as Division 1.1D, indicating a mass explosion hazard capable of detonating an entire load simultaneously. This substance, also known as 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene, Trotyl, and Trilite, is extremely sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making it one of the most hazardous materials encountered in emergency response.
Hazard overview: UN 0209 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire shipment may detonate simultaneously, generating severe blast overpressure and lethal fragmentation across a wide radius. The material is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, meaning even minor mechanical disturbance or elevated temperatures can trigger detonation without warning.
Response guidance: Emergency responders must isolate all directions to a minimum of 800 meters (half a mile) and, if the material is involved in fire, immediately evacuate a full 1,600-meter (one-mile) radius treating the incident as a mass explosion event. Do not attempt to extinguish fires involving UN 0209 with water or foam; instead, use sand, dry earth, or inert materials from a safe distance, and never approach without Explosive Ordnance Disposal support.
UN 0209 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0209
- 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 0209 Trinitrotoluene appears as a pale yellow to brown crystalline solid or flakes with no distinctive odor, and may be found in the form of compressed blocks, pellets, or powder.
| Also known as | TNT2,4,6-TrinitrotolueneTrotylTriliteToliteTriton |
| CAS Number | 118-96-7 |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to brown crystalline solid or flakes with no distinctive odor. May appear as compressed blocks, pellets, or powder. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes/explodes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but dissolved TNT can contaminate water supplies |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0209
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Personnel responding to a UN 0209 incident must wear Level A full protective clothing with SCBA and must not approach the scene without Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) support.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0209 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 0209 — Trinitrotoluene; TNT, 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.