UN 3296 — Refrigerant gas R-227
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Refrigerant gas R-227 is a liquefied compressed refrigerant gas handled primarily as an asphyxiation, frostbite and pressure-container hazard.
Hazard overview: Released vapor can displace oxygen without warning, especially in confined spaces. Cylinders may rupture or rocket if heated, and liquid contact can cause frostbite.
Response guidance: Isolate the leak, ventilate from a safe position and cool exposed containers with water spray. Use SCBA in confined spaces or high concentrations and avoid direct contact with liquefied gas.
UN 3296 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3296
- 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
Colorless, odorless liquefied compressed gas. Shipped as a liquefied gas under pressure. Heavier than air as a gas.
| Also known as | HeptafluoropropaneHFC-227eaFM-2001,1,1,2,3,3,3-HeptafluoropropaneFE-227 |
| CAS Number | 431-89-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless liquefied compressed gas. Shipped as a liquefied gas under pressure. Heavier than air as a gas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -16.4C (2.5F) |
| Vapor Density | 7.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water. Gas is soluble in water to a limited extent. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3296
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum in leak scenarios. SCBA and full protective clothing if fire involvement. Cold protective gloves for liquid contact to prevent frostbite.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3296 Incident
- CALL 911, then contact the emergency response telephone number shown on shipping papers, if available.
- 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).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3296 — Refrigerant gas R-227Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.