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USDOT HazMat Placards

Class 1 Explosives (pg 1 of 2)
49CFR 173.50

Explosives are any substance or article, including a device, which is designed to function by explosion or which, by chemical reaction within itself is able to function in a similar manner even if not designed to function by explosion (unless the article is otherwise classed under a provision of 49CFR).

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Division 1.1 Explosives

Consists of explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load instantaneously. (* Add compatibility group [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, L])

• ERG GUIDE NUMBER: 112
• Listing of Division 1.1 Materials

Division 1.2 Explosives

Consists of explosives that have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. (* Add compatibility group [B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L])

• ERG GUIDE NUMBER: 112
• Listing of Division 1.2 Materials

Division 1.3 Explosives

Consists of explosives that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or, both but not a mass explosion hazard. (* Add compatibility group [C, F, G, H, J, K, L])

• ERG GUIDE NUMBER: 112
• Listing of Division 1.3 Materials

Division 1.4 Explosives

Consists of explosives that present a minor explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the package and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to be expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of almost the entire contents of the package. (* Add compatibility group [B, C, D, E, F, G, S])

• ERG GUIDE NUMBER: 114
• Listing of Division 1.4 Materials

Division 1.5 Blasting Agents

Consists of very insensitive explosives. This division is comprised of substances which have a mass explosion hazard but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation under normal conditions of transport

• ERG GUIDE NUMBER: 112
• Listing of Division 1.5 Materials

Division 1.6 Explosives

Consists of extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosive hazard. This division is comprised of articles which contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and which demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.

• ERG GUIDE NUMBER: 112
• Listing of Division 1.6 Materials

* Compatibility Groups:
49CFR 173.52

'A' Primary explosive substance (1.1A, 1.2A)

'B' Article containing a primary explosive substance and not containing two or more effective protective features. Some articles, such as detonators for blasting, detonator assemblies for blasting and primers, cap-type, are included, even though they contain primary explosives (1.1B, 1.2B, 1.4B)

'C' Propellant explosive substance or other deflagrating explosive substance or article containing such explosive substance (1.1C, 1.2C, 1.3C, 1.4C)

'D' Secondary detonating explosive substance or black powder or article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance, in each case without means of initiation and without a propelling charge, or article containing a primary explosive substance and containing two or more effective protective features. (1.1D, 1.2D, 1.4D, 1.5D)

'E' Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance without means of initiation, with a propelling charge (other than one containing flammable liquid, gel or hypergolic liquid) (1.1E, 1.2E, 1.4E)

'F' Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance with its means of initiation, with a propelling charge (other than one containing flammable liquid, gel or hypergolic liquid) or without a propelling charge (1.1F, 1.2F, 1.3F, 1.4F)

'G' Pyrotechnic substance or article containing a pyrotechnic substance, or article containing both an explosive substance and an illuminating, incendiary, tear-producing or smoke-producing substance (other than a water-activated article or one containing white phosphorus, phosphide or flammable liquid or gel or hypergolic liquid) (1.1G, 1.2G, 1.3G, 1.4G)

'H' Article containing both an explosive substance and white phosphorus (1.2H, 1.3H)

'J' Article containing both an explosive substance and flammable liquid or gel (1.1J, 1.2J, 1.3J)

'K' Article containing both an explosive substance and a toxic chemical agent (1.2K, 1.3K)

'L' Explosive substance or article containing an explosive substance and presenting a special risk (e.g., due to water-activation or presence of hypergolic liquids, phosphides or pyrophoric substances) needing isolation of each type (1.1L, 1.2L, 1.3L)

'N' Articles containing only extremely insensitive detonating substances (1.6N)

'S' Substance or article so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are limited to the extent that they do not significantly hinder or prohibit fire fighting or other emergency response efforts in the immediate vicinity of the package (1.4S)

CONTINUED...

Last updated: Feb 2007

Related Resources

• Guide for Handling Household Chemicals
  Things you can do to make your home safer.
• USDOT Hazardous Materials Table 49 CFR 172.101
  An online version of the USDOT hazardous materials table from 49CFR 172.101. This table can be sorted by proper shipping name, UN/NA ID and/or by primary hazard class/division.
• ERG (Emergency Response Guidebook)
  Have you ever wondered what those four digit numbers on the placards on the side of trucks and rail cars mean? Our online 2004ERG will give you your answer. This is an online version of the guidebook produced by the USDOT for first responders during the initial phase of a Dangerous goods/HazMat incident.
• Chemical Database
  This database focuses on the most common chemical compounds used in the home and industry.

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While excerpts from the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (49CFR) and the "Emergency Response Guidebook" are in the public domain, the image files on these pages, the design of these pages as well as all other materials on this site and graphics files are copyrighted by J.K. Barbalace, inc. Copyrighted material on this site, including graphics files, MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED in any form without the express permission.

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To ensure regulatory compliance when transporting hazardous materials or dangerous goods, one must receive proper training and certification from a qualified instructor and refer to the current year's Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (49CFR) or your country's shipping regulations. In matters regarding workplace safety, refer to current OSHA regulations (29CFR) and NIOSH guidelines or your own country's health and safety regulations. No one should ever enter into a hazardous environment without proper training from qualified instructors.

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Kenneth Barbalace. USDOT HazMat Placards - Class 1 Explosives. EnvironmentalChemistry.com. 1995 - 2024. Accessed on-line: 12/22/2024
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