UN 1006 — Argon, compressed
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 120. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1006 is Argon, compressed, a Class 2 flammable gas assigned to ERG Guide 120. It can ignite easily, form explosive mixtures with air and create cylinder rupture hazards when heated.
Hazard overview: UN 1006 presents flammable vapor, flashback and pressure-container hazards. Fire or heat can cause cylinders to vent or rupture, while released gas may migrate before ignition.
Response guidance: For a UN 1006 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 120. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, eliminate ignition sources when safe, monitor for flammable gas and cool exposed containers from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1006 should emphasize flammable vapor behavior, flashback, low-area migration, cylinder heating and ignition control. Common errors include approaching through vapor, operating damaged valves, standing near relief devices or cylinder ends and underestimating explosion potential in confined spaces. Use ERG 120, gas monitoring and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Argon, compressed is regulated as a Class 2 hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Argon, compressed cylinders should be stored secured, upright where required, well ventilated and away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, incompatible gases and physical damage. Storage areas should control leaks, cylinder impact, unauthorized access and accumulation of gas in low or confined spaces.
UN 1006 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1006
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE: will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Will form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas may be heavier than air and spread along the ground.
- Vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back.
- Cylinders or pressure containers may vent, rupture or rocket when heated.
- Liquefied gas contact may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Released gas can create a wide flammable atmosphere around damaged cylinders, valves or piping.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, odorless, tasteless inert gas. Shipped as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. Heavier than air.
| Also known as | Argon gasCompressed argonRefrigerated argonAr |
| CAS Number | 7440-37-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless, tasteless inert gas. Shipped as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. Heavier than air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inert gas) |
| Boiling Point | -186C (-303F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction; inert gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1006
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, leak, vapor cloud or confined-space operations. Structural firefighting gear may protect against fire conditions, but responders should maintain distance from heated cylinders and follow incident command and local SOP.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1006 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Many vapors from liquefied gas are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) for a large release, fire or heated container.
- Use ERG Guide 120, shipping papers, air monitoring and incident command to set protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1006 — Argon, compressedUse 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.