☣️ UN 3220 • CLASS 2
UN 3220 — Refrigerant gas R-125
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 3220 Quick Details
UN 3220
Product name: Refrigerant gas R-125
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 126 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 126: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate; treat as asphyxiant and potential container explosion hazard when heated
Common Hazards of UN 3220
- 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 | PentafluoroethaneHFC-125R-1251,1,1,2,2-PentafluoroethaneGenetron 125Suva 125 |
| CAS Number | 354-33-6 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless liquefied gas. Shipped as liquefied compressed gas under its own vapor pressure. Nonflammable under most conditions. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (nonflammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -48C (-55F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; low water solubility |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3220
Extinguishing Media
CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling containers (gas is nonflammable)
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum in well-ventilated areas; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation risk; thermal gloves for handling cylinders
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 126: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate; treat as asphyxiant and potential container explosion hazard when heated
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 126).
First Actions for a UN 3220 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 3220 — Refrigerant gas R-125HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3220
Product: Refrigerant gas R-125
Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 126
PPE: Level C minimum in well-ventilated areas; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation risk; thermal gloves for handling cylinders
ISOLATION: ERG 126: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate; treat as asphyxiant and potential container explosion hazard when heated
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 3220 — Refrigerant gas R-125
Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 126
Appearance: Colorless, odorless liquefied gas. Shipped as liquefied compressed gas under its own vapor pressure. Nonflammable under most conditions.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; low water solubility
Extinguishing: CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling containers (gas is nonflammable)
PPE: Level C minimum in well-ventilated areas; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation risk; thermal gloves for handling cylinders
Isolation: ERG 126: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate; treat as asphyxiant and potential container explosion hazard when heated
— 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/3220 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3220 Refrigerant gas R-125 Cls2 ERG126 | ERG 126: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rai | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3220SMS / 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/3220
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3220
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 C minimum in well-ventilated areas; SCBA required in enclosed spaces or high concentrations due to asphyxiation risk; thermal gloves for handling cylinders
Water reactivity: No significant reaction; low water solubility. Recommended extinguishing: CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling containers (gas is nonflammable).
ERG Guide 126 recommendation: ERG 126: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions and evacuate; treat as asphyxiant and potential container explosion hazard when heated
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.