UN 1008 — Boron trifluoride, compressed
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 125. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Boron trifluoride is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor that exists as a compressed gas at room temperature. It is highly toxic and corrosive, and can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
Hazard overview: Boron trifluoride is extremely hazardous due to its toxic and corrosive properties, and can be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive, and can cause severe damage to the lungs and other organs.
Response guidance: In the event of a spill or leak, evacuate the area immediately and call for emergency assistance. Responders should wear Level A or B protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus, to prevent exposure to the gas.
UN 1008 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1008
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive.
- Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Some of these materials may react violently with water.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Boron trifluoride is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor that fumes strongly in moist air.
| Also known as | Boron trifluorideBF3TrifluoroboraneBoron fluorideTrifluoroboron |
| CAS Number | 7637-07-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. Exists as a compressed gas at room temperature. Fumes strongly in moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -100C (-148F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water to form toxic and corrosive hydrofluoric acid and boric acid. Do not use water directly on material. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1008
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders should wear Level A or B protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus, to prevent exposure to the gas.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1008 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.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1008 — Boron trifluoride, compressedUse 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.