☣️ UN 3523 • CLASS 2
Germane, adsorbed
Placard: Toxic Gas. 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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Quick details
UN 3523
Class: 2
Placard type: Toxic Gas
ERG: Guide 173 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 173: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions; consider initial evacuation 800m
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Germanium tetrahydrideGermanium hydrideMonogermaneGeH4 |
| CAS Number | 7782-65-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas with a disagreeable odor at room temperature. Supplied as adsorbed compressed gas on a porous substrate in cylinders. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric gas, ignites spontaneously in air) |
| Boiling Point | -88C (-126F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.63 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Decomposes slowly in water producing germanium dioxide and hydrogen; reaction accelerates with moisture |
| Extinguishing | Do not use water or foam; use dry chemical or CO2 for small fires; let large fires burn while protecting exposures |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A required; SCBA with full facepiece; chemical-resistant suit; extreme toxicity and pyrophoric nature demand maximum protection |
| Isolation | ERG 173: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions; consider initial evacuation 800m |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
- Vapors may be irritating.
- Contact with gas may cause burns and injury.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Some gases may burn or be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May form explosive mixtures with air.
- Oxidizers may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.) but NOT readily due to low
First actions (field-minded)
- 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.
- See Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
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UN 3523 — Germane, adsorbed HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3523
Product: Germane, adsorbed
Class 2 / Toxic Gas / ERG 173
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full facepiece; chemical-resistant suit; extreme toxicity and pyrophoric nature demand maximum protection
ISOLATION: ERG 173: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions; consider initial evacuation 800m
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 3523 — Germane, adsorbed
Class: 2 | Placard: Toxic Gas | ERG Guide: 173
Appearance: Colorless gas with a disagreeable odor at room temperature. Supplied as adsorbed compressed gas on a porous substrate in cylinders.
Water Reactivity: Decomposes slowly in water producing germanium dioxide and hydrogen; reaction accelerates with moisture
Extinguishing: Do not use water or foam; use dry chemical or CO2 for small fires; let large fires burn while protecting exposures
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full facepiece; chemical-resistant suit; extreme toxicity and pyrophoric nature demand maximum protection
Isolation: ERG 173: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m all directions; consider initial evacuation 800m
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
• Vapors may be irritating.
• Contact with gas may cause burns and injury.
— 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/3523 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3523 Germane, adsorbed Cls2 ERG173 | ERG 173: isolate spill/leak area immediately 100m in all directions; if tank/rai | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3523SMS / 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/3523
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FAQ
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Vapors may be irritating. Contact with gas may cause burns and injury. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. Some gases may burn or be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May form explosive mixtures with air. Oxidizers may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.) but NOT readily due to low
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 A required; SCBA with full facepiece; chemical-resistant suit; extreme toxicity and pyrophoric nature demand maximum protection
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 173 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.