☣️ UN 1003 • CLASS 2
UN 1003 — Air, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)
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.
Refrigerated liquid air is a cryogenic liquid that can cause severe cold burns and support combustion. It is essential to handle it with care and follow proper safety protocols.
Hazard overview: The substance does not burn but will support combustion, and some may react explosively with fuels. Prolonged exposure to the extremely cold temperature can cause severe damage to skin and tissues.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, evacuate the area immediately and isolate the spill site. Use cold-insulated gloves and face shield to prevent cold burns and SCBA in oxygen-enriched atmospheres.
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UN 1003 Quick Details
UN 1003
Product name: Air, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 122 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 122: Isolate spill area 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/container involved in fire; oxygen enrichment creates extreme fire/explosion hazard with combustibles
Common Hazards of UN 1003
- 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
Refrigerated liquid air is a colorless to pale blue liquid with no odor, extremely cold at approximately -190°C (-310°F), and boils rapidly at ambient temperature producing large volumes of gas.
| Also known as | Liquid airLOX/LIN mixtureCryogenic airLiquefied air |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale blue liquid with no odor. Extremely cold cryogenic liquid at approximately -190°C (-310°F). Boils rapidly at ambient temperature producing large volumes of gas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable cryogenic gas) |
| Boiling Point | -194.4°C (-318°F) approximately |
| Vapor Density | 1.0 (equivalent to air when vaporized) |
| Water Reactivity | No chemical reaction, but extreme cold causes rapid freezing of water and potential brittle fracture of materials |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1003
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable for fire suppression; oxidizer supports combustion of other materials; use water spray to warm and disperse vapors
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Cold-insulated gloves and face shield required for handling; SCBA mandatory in oxygen-enriched atmospheres; protective clothing to prevent cold burns from cryogenic liquid contact
Cold-insulated gloves and face shield are required for handling, and SCBA is mandatory in oxygen-enriched atmospheres to prevent cold burns and asphyxiation.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 122: Isolate spill area 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/container involved in fire; oxygen enrichment creates extreme fire/explosion hazard with combustibles
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 122).
First Actions for a UN 1003 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- 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 1003 — Air, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1003
Product: Air, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)
Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 122
PPE: Cold-insulated gloves and face shield required for handling; SCBA mandatory in oxygen-enriched atmospheres; protective clothing to prevent cold burns from cryogenic liquid contact
ISOLATION: ERG 122: Isolate spill area 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/container involved in fire; oxygen enrichment creates extreme fire/explosion hazard with combustibles
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 1003 — Air, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)
Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 122
Appearance: Colorless to pale blue liquid with no odor. Extremely cold cryogenic liquid at approximately -190°C (-310°F). Boils rapidly at ambient temperature producing large volumes of gas.
Water Reactivity: No chemical reaction, but extreme cold causes rapid freezing of water and potential brittle fracture of materials
Extinguishing: Not applicable for fire suppression; oxidizer supports combustion of other materials; use water spray to warm and disperse vapors
PPE: Cold-insulated gloves and face shield required for handling; SCBA mandatory in oxygen-enriched atmospheres; protective clothing to prevent cold burns from cryogenic liquid contact
Isolation: ERG 122: Isolate spill area 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if tank/container involved in fire; oxygen enrichment creates extreme fire/explosion hazard with combustibles
— 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 —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• 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.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1003 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN1003 Air, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) Cls2 ERG122 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1003SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/air-refrigerated-liquid-un-1003
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1003
No, UN 1003 is a non-flammable gas, but it supports combustion.
UN 1003 does not react with water, but the extreme cold causes rapid freezing of water and potential brittle fracture of materials.
Cold-insulated gloves, face shield, and SCBA are required for handling UN 1003 to prevent cold burns and asphyxiation.
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.