☣️ UN 1078 • CLASS 2
UN 1078 — Refrigerant gas, n.o.s.
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 1078 Quick Details
UN 1078
Product name: Refrigerant gas, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 126 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protect from heat; evacuate area if containers exposed to fire; asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces
Common Hazards of UN 1078
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Refrigerant gas N.O.S.Dispersant gas N.O.S.Compressed refrigerant gasLiquefied refrigerant gas |
| Appearance | Colorless gas or liquefied gas under pressure; odor varies depending on specific refrigerant compound; typically odorless or with a faint ether-like smell. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed gas; some formulations may be non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by specific refrigerant; typically -50C to -10C (-58F to 14F) for common refrigerants |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air; varies by specific refrigerant compound (typically 2-5 times air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water for most common refrigerants |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1078
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling containers; foam generally not required for non-flammable types
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves; protect against frostbite from liquefied gas
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protect from heat; evacuate area if containers exposed to fire; asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 126).
First Actions for a UN 1078 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).
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UN 1078 — Refrigerant gas, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1078
Product: Refrigerant gas, n.o.s.
Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 126
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves; protect against frostbite from liquefied gas
ISOLATION: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protect from heat; evacuate area if containers exposed to fire; asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1078 — Refrigerant gas, n.o.s.
Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 126
Appearance: Colorless gas or liquefied gas under pressure; odor varies depending on specific refrigerant compound; typically odorless or with a faint ether-like smell.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water for most common refrigerants
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling containers; foam generally not required for non-flammable types
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves; protect against frostbite from liquefied gas
Isolation: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protect from heat; evacuate area if containers exposed to fire; asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1078 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1078 Refrigerant gas, n.o.s. Cls2 ERG126 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1078SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1078
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1078
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves; protect against frostbite from liquefied gas
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water for most common refrigerants. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling containers; foam generally not required for non-flammable types.
ERG Guide 126 recommendation: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m all directions; protect from heat; evacuate area if containers exposed to fire; asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 126 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.