☣️ UN 1080 • CLASS 2
Sulphur hexafluoride
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. 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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Quick details
UN 1080
Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG: Guide 126 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 126: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | SF6Sulfur hexafluorideSulphur fluorideSulfur fluoride |
| CAS Number | 2551-62-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas. Heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -64C (-83F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.1 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
| Extinguishing | Not applicable (non-flammable compressed gas); ventilation is primary concern |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level D typically sufficient; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation hazard |
| Isolation | ERG 126: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- 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.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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 1080 — Sulphur hexafluoride HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1080
Product: Sulphur hexafluoride
Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 126
PPE: Level D typically sufficient; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation hazard
ISOLATION: ERG 126: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
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 1080 — Sulphur hexafluoride
Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 126
Appearance: Colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas. Heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water
Extinguishing: Not applicable (non-flammable compressed gas); ventilation is primary concern
PPE: Level D typically sufficient; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation hazard
Isolation: ERG 126: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions
— 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/1080 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1080 Sulphur hexafluoride Cls2 ERG126 | ERG 126: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directi | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1080SMS / 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/1080
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FAQ
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 D typically sufficient; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation hazard
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.