☣️ UN 3156 • CLASS 2

UN 3156 — Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s.

Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 122. 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 3156 Quick Details

UN 3156
Product name: Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 122 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 122: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation

Common Hazards of UN 3156

  • Substance does not burn but will support combustion.
  • Some may react explosively with fuels.
  • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
  • Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
  • Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Also known asOxidizing compressed gas N.O.S.Compressed oxidizing gasOxidizer compressed gas not otherwise specified
AppearanceColorless to variably colored compressed gas depending on specific oxidizer. Odor varies by specific substance. Stored under pressure in cylinders or tanks at room temperature.
Flash PointNot applicable (non-flammable gas)
Boiling PointNot applicable (compressed gas, varies by specific oxidizer)
Vapor DensityVaries by specific oxidizer (typically heavier than air)
Water ReactivityGenerally no significant reaction, though specific oxidizers may vary
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3156

Extinguishing Media

Do not use foam; use water spray to cool containers, keep combustibles away

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit if liquid contact possible during release

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 122: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 122).

First Actions for a UN 3156 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 3156 — Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s.
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3156 Product: Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s. Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 122 PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit if liquid contact possible during release ISOLATION: ERG 122: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 3156 — Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s. Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 122 Appearance: Colorless to variably colored compressed gas depending on specific oxidizer. Odor varies by specific substance. Stored under pressure in cylinders or tanks at room temperature. Water Reactivity: Generally no significant reaction, though specific oxidizers may vary Extinguishing: Do not use foam; use water spray to cool containers, keep combustibles away PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit if liquid contact possible during release Isolation: ERG 122: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation — Key Hazards — • Substance does not burn but will support combustion. • Some may react explosively with fuels. • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). — 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/3156 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN3156 Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s. Cls2 ERG122 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3156SMS / 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/3156

Related UN Numbers in Class 2

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3156

Substance does not burn but will support combustion. Some may react explosively with fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.

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; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit if liquid contact possible during release

Water reactivity: Generally no significant reaction, though specific oxidizers may vary. Recommended extinguishing: Do not use foam; use water spray to cool containers, keep combustibles away.

ERG Guide 122 recommendation: ERG 122: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 122 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.