☣️ UN 2814 • CLASS 6
UN 2814 — Infectious substance, affecting humans
Placard: Infectious Substance. ERG Guide 158. 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.
Infectious substance, affecting humans is a Category A infectious-substance entry. Response priorities are exposure prevention, containment and coordination with health authorities.
Hazard overview: The hazard is biological rather than chemical. Broken packaging, aerosols or contaminated surfaces can expose responders and spread the agent beyond the immediate scene.
Response guidance: Secure the area, deny entry and avoid direct handling until trained personnel with biohazard PPE arrive. Preserve labels and shipping documents for public health identification.
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UN 2814 Quick Details
UN 2814
Product name: Infectious substance, affecting humans
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Infectious Substance
ERG Guide: 158 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 158: isolate spill area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; notify health authorities and specialized cleanup teams
Common Hazards of UN 2814
- Material may contain pathogens capable of causing serious or fatal disease in humans.
- Exposure may occur through broken packages, sharps, aerosols, splashes or contaminated surfaces.
- Improper handling can spread contamination to responders, vehicles and facilities.
- Water or runoff can spread infectious material even without chemical reaction.
- Fire or package damage may compromise containment and create contaminated debris.
- Medical evaluation and public health coordination may be required for exposed persons.
- Exact pathogen and package information control decontamination and isolation decisions.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
The shipment may contain cultures, specimens, tissues or other materials in layered packaging. Appearance depends on the sample and containment system.
| Also known as | Category A Infectious SubstanceBiohazardous Material Affecting HumansEtiologic AgentPathogenic MaterialDiagnostic Specimens |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific agent; may be liquid cultures, tissue samples, blood products, or solid specimens. Typically packaged in sealed containers with multiple layers of containment. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (biological material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (biological material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (biological material) |
| Water Reactivity | No chemical reaction with water; however, water contact may spread infectious agents and cause environmental contamination |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2814
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable - use containment and disinfection procedures rather than fire suppression agents; if fire present, use any extinguishing media but avoid water dispersion
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A or B with full biohazard protection required; SCBA mandatory; impermeable suits; double gloves; respiratory protection against airborne pathogens; avoid all contact with material
Use biohazard-appropriate respiratory, eye, skin and hand protection. SCBA or powered respiratory protection may be required based on pathogen and aerosol risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 158: isolate spill area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; notify health authorities and specialized cleanup teams
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 158).
First Actions for a UN 2814 Incident
- Call 911 and notify public health, hazmat and infectious-disease response authorities immediately.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and secure the area against accidental contact.
- Stay upwind and avoid splashes, aerosols, broken packages and contaminated surfaces.
- Do not touch packages, specimens or leaking material without approved biohazard PPE.
- Control access, preserve package markings and keep exposed persons available for medical evaluation.
- Decontaminate only under trained supervision using an agent approved for the suspected pathogen.
- Use shipping papers, package labels and health-agency direction for final protective actions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2814 — Infectious substance, affecting humansHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2814
Product: Infectious substance, affecting humans
Class 6 / Infectious Substance / ERG 158
PPE: Level A or B with full biohazard protection required; SCBA mandatory; impermeable suits; double gloves; respiratory protection against airborne pathogens; avoid all contact with material
ISOLATION: ERG 158: isolate spill area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; notify health authorities and specialized cleanup teams
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 2814 — Infectious substance, affecting humans
Class: 6 | Placard: Infectious Substance | ERG Guide: 158
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific agent; may be liquid cultures, tissue samples, blood products, or solid specimens. Typically packaged in sealed containers with multiple layers of containment.
Water Reactivity: No chemical reaction with water; however, water contact may spread infectious agents and cause environmental contamination
Extinguishing: Not applicable - use containment and disinfection procedures rather than fire suppression agents; if fire present, use any extinguishing media but avoid water dispersion
PPE: Level A or B with full biohazard protection required; SCBA mandatory; impermeable suits; double gloves; respiratory protection against airborne pathogens; avoid all contact with material
Isolation: ERG 158: isolate spill area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; notify health authorities and specialized cleanup teams
— Key Hazards —
• Material may contain pathogens capable of causing serious or fatal disease in humans.
• Exposure may occur through broken packages, sharps, aerosols, splashes or contaminated surfaces.
• Improper handling can spread contamination to responders, vehicles and facilities.
— First Actions —
• Call 911 and notify public health, hazmat and infectious-disease response authorities immediately.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away and secure the area against accidental contact.
• Stay upwind and avoid splashes, aerosols, broken packages and contaminated surfaces.
• Do not touch packages, specimens or leaking material without approved biohazard PPE.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/infectious-substance-affecting-humans-un-2814 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2814 Infectious substance, affecting humans Cls6 ERG158 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/infectious-substance-affecting-humans-un-2814SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/infectious-substance-affecting-humans-un-2814
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2814
It means the shipment may contain an infectious substance capable of causing serious disease in humans.
No. The primary hazard is biological exposure and contamination.
Notify hazmat, EMS, public health authorities and the shipper or carrier as soon as possible.
No. Do not open or handle the package unless trained, equipped and directed by the response plan.
Use the suspected pathogen, package information and public health direction to select disinfectants and contact times.
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.