☣️ UN 2900 • CLASS 6
UN 2900 — Infectious substance, affecting animals only
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.
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UN 2900 Quick Details
UN 2900
Product name: Infectious substance, affecting animals only
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Infectious Substance
ERG Guide: 158 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 158: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; ventilate closed spaces before entry
Common Hazards of UN 2900
- Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease or death.
- Category A Infectious Substances (UN2814, UN2900 or UN3549) are more hazardous, or are in a more
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Damaged packages containing solid CO2 as a refrigerant may produce water or frost from condensation
- Contact with solid CO2 may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
- Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
- Some may be transported in flammable liquids.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Category B infectious substanceBiological substance category BDiagnostic specimensAnimal pathogensVeterinary infectious material |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on form (liquid cultures, tissue samples, blood, biological specimens). Typically shipped in sealed containers with absorbent material. May be refrigerated or frozen. |
| 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, but contamination risk if container integrity compromised |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2900
Extinguishing Media
Standard fire suppression agents acceptable; contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Minimum Level C with appropriate biological PPE; impervious gloves, face shield, protective suit; avoid direct contact and inhalation of aerosols; follow biosafety protocols
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 158: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; ventilate closed spaces before entry
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 158).
First Actions for a UN 2900 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.
- Consult the shipping paper to identify the substance involved.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2900 — Infectious substance, affecting animalsHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2900
Product: Infectious substance, affecting animals only
Class 6 / Infectious Substance / ERG 158
PPE: Minimum Level C with appropriate biological PPE; impervious gloves, face shield, protective suit; avoid direct contact and inhalation of aerosols; follow biosafety protocols
ISOLATION: ERG 158: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; ventilate closed spaces before entry
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 2900 — Infectious substance, affecting animals only
Class: 6 | Placard: Infectious Substance | ERG Guide: 158
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on form (liquid cultures, tissue samples, blood, biological specimens). Typically shipped in sealed containers with absorbent material. May be refrigerated or frozen.
Water Reactivity: No chemical reaction with water, but contamination risk if container integrity compromised
Extinguishing: Standard fire suppression agents acceptable; contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination
PPE: Minimum Level C with appropriate biological PPE; impervious gloves, face shield, protective suit; avoid direct contact and inhalation of aerosols; follow biosafety protocols
Isolation: ERG 158: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; ventilate closed spaces before entry
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease or death.
• Category A Infectious Substances (UN2814, UN2900 or UN3549) are more hazardous, or are in a more
• Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
— 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.
• Consult the shipping paper to identify the substance involved.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2900 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2900 Infectious substance, affecting animals only Cls6 ERG158 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2900SMS / 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/2900
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2900
Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease or death. Category A Infectious Substances (UN2814, UN2900 or UN3549) are more hazardous, or are in a more Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. Damaged packages containing solid CO2 as a refrigerant may produce water or frost from condensation Contact with solid CO2 may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. Some may be transported in flammable liquids.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Minimum Level C with appropriate biological PPE; impervious gloves, face shield, protective suit; avoid direct contact and inhalation of aerosols; follow biosafety protocols
Water reactivity: No chemical reaction with water, but contamination risk if container integrity compromised. Recommended extinguishing: Standard fire suppression agents acceptable; contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination.
ERG Guide 158 recommendation: ERG 158: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; deny entry except to authorized personnel with proper PPE; ventilate closed spaces before entry
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 158 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.