☣️ UN 1976 • CLASS 2
UN 1976 — Refrigerant gas RC-318
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 1976 Quick Details
UN 1976
Product name: Refrigerant gas RC-318
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 126 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 126: isolate 100m all directions initially; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m
Common Hazards of UN 1976
- 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 | OctafluorocyclobutanePerfluorocyclobutaneFC-C318Freon C-318R-C318 |
| CAS Number | 115-25-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless liquefied compressed gas. Shipped as a liquefied gas under its own vapor pressure. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -6C (21F) |
| Vapor Density | 7.0 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1976
Extinguishing Media
Water spray to cool containers, CO2, dry chemical (no foam needed for non-flammable gas)
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; insulated gloves for cryogenic liquid contact; protect against frostbite
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 126: isolate 100m all directions initially; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 126).
First Actions for a UN 1976 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1976 — Refrigerant gas RC-318HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1976
Product: Refrigerant gas RC-318
Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 126
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; insulated gloves for cryogenic liquid contact; protect against frostbite
ISOLATION: ERG 126: isolate 100m all directions initially; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m
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 1976 — Refrigerant gas RC-318
Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 126
Appearance: Colorless, odorless liquefied compressed gas. Shipped as a liquefied gas under its own vapor pressure.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water
Extinguishing: Water spray to cool containers, CO2, dry chemical (no foam needed for non-flammable gas)
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; insulated gloves for cryogenic liquid contact; protect against frostbite
Isolation: ERG 126: isolate 100m all directions initially; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m
— 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/1976 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1976 Refrigerant gas RC-318 Cls2 ERG126 | ERG 126: isolate 100m all directions initially; if tank/rail car involved in fir | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1976SMS / 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/1976
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1976
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 with SCBA; insulated gloves for cryogenic liquid contact; protect against frostbite
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray to cool containers, CO2, dry chemical (no foam needed for non-flammable gas).
ERG Guide 126 recommendation: ERG 126: isolate 100m all directions initially; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and evacuate 800m
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.