☣️ UN 2857 • CLASS 2
UN 2857 — Refrigerating machines, containing non-flammable, non-poisonous gases
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 2857 Quick Details
UN 2857
Product name: Refrigerating machines, containing non-flammable, non-poisonous gases
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 126 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 126: No initial isolation required for small spills; for large spills or fire involvement, isolate 100m in all directions; evacuate area if containers are exposed to fire
Common Hazards of UN 2857
- 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 | Refrigerator unitsCooling equipmentRefrigeration appliancesAir conditioning units with refrigerant |
| Appearance | Mechanical devices containing non-flammable, non-poisonous compressed gases (typically HFCs, HCFCs, or inert gases) as refrigerants. Equipment may be white, gray, or metallic in appearance. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gases) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by refrigerant gas used; typically -40C to -26C (-40F to -15F) for common refrigerants |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air for most refrigerant gases (3-5 times air density) |
| 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 2857
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable; use water spray to cool containers if exposed to fire
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level D for intact units; Level C with SCBA if gas leak occurs in confined space due to asphyxiation hazard
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 126: No initial isolation required for small spills; for large spills or fire involvement, isolate 100m in all directions; evacuate area if containers are exposed to fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 126).
First Actions for a UN 2857 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 2857 — Refrigerating machines, containing non-fHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2857
Product: Refrigerating machines, containing non-flammable, non-poisonous gases
Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 126
PPE: Level D for intact units; Level C with SCBA if gas leak occurs in confined space due to asphyxiation hazard
ISOLATION: ERG 126: No initial isolation required for small spills; for large spills or fire involvement, isolate 100m in all directions; evacuate area if containers are exposed to fire
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 2857 — Refrigerating machines, containing non-flammable, non-poisonous gases
Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 126
Appearance: Mechanical devices containing non-flammable, non-poisonous compressed gases (typically HFCs, HCFCs, or inert gases) as refrigerants. Equipment may be white, gray, or metallic in appearance.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water
Extinguishing: Not applicable; use water spray to cool containers if exposed to fire
PPE: Level D for intact units; Level C with SCBA if gas leak occurs in confined space due to asphyxiation hazard
Isolation: ERG 126: No initial isolation required for small spills; for large spills or fire involvement, isolate 100m in all directions; evacuate area if containers are exposed to fire
— 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/2857 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2857 Refrigerating machines, containing non-flammable, non-poisonous gases Cls2 ERG126 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2857SMS / 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/2857
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2857
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 for intact units; Level C with SCBA if gas leak occurs in confined space due to asphyxiation hazard
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water. Recommended extinguishing: Not applicable; use water spray to cool containers if exposed to fire.
ERG Guide 126 recommendation: ERG 126: No initial isolation required for small spills; for large spills or fire involvement, isolate 100m in all directions; evacuate area if containers are exposed to fire
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.