Analyze an SDS

DOT Division 1.4: Minor Explosion Hazard

Division 1.4 is the DOT explosives division for materials that present no significant explosion hazard: effects are largely confined to the package, and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is expected. Small arms ammunition and consumer fireworks are the most familiar examples.

How it is defined

  • An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of nearly the entire contents.
  • Compatibility group S (1.4S) marks items packaged so that hazardous effects are limited to the package, and these are often subject to relaxed rules.
  • Limited quantities of some Division 1.4 items can ship under reduced requirements, but the rules are specific and must be checked.

Summary of 49 CFR Parts 171 to 180. The regulations and the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) control any shipment.

Label and placard

Colors
Orange background, black numbers
Symbol
The division number “1.4” and a compatibility group letter, no bomb

Orange label and placard showing 1.4 and the compatibility group letter.

Packing groups

None. Class 1 is assigned by division and compatibility group. How packing groups work.

Common examples

  • Small arms cartridges
  • Consumer fireworks
  • Some signal flares and safety fuses
  • Some automotive airbag modules

How it relates to GHS

Older GHS revisions, which OSHA HazCom follows, have a matching explosives division 1.4 shown with the exploding bomb pictogram (GHS01) and the signal word Warning. Newer UN GHS revisions use categories instead of divisions.

DOT classes and GHS classes are assigned under different rules, so a product can have different severity labels in each. See also all GHS hazard classes.

Safe handling reminders

  • Store dry and protected from heat or ignition sources.
  • Follow local fire code storage limits, which apply even to small quantities.
  • Keep in original packaging.

Where to find it on an SDS

Section 14 will show 1.4 and a compatibility group such as 1.4S or 1.4G, together with the UN number. Look in Section 14: Transport information. Hazard classification for the workplace is in Section 2. You can also see how a UN number points to a response guide on the UN and NA numbers page.

Frequently asked questions

What is Division 1.4?

Division 1.4 is the DOT explosives division for materials that present no significant explosion hazard because effects are largely confined to the package. Small arms ammunition and consumer fireworks are typical.

What does 1.4S mean?

1.4S is a Division 1.4 item in compatibility group S, packaged or designed so that hazardous effects are limited to the package. These often qualify for relaxed transport requirements.

General reference only. It does not replace the supplier's SDS or the current federal regulations.