UN 1016 — Carbon monoxide, compressed
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Carbon monoxide, also known as carbonic oxide, is a toxic gas with a DOT class of 2. It is widely used in industrial applications, including the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. First responders may encounter carbon monoxide during transportation accidents or industrial leaks. The scale of production and transportation of carbon monoxide is significant, with thousands of tons being transported every year. Carbon monoxide is a known toxic gas that can cause severe health effects, including death, and it is essential for first responders to be aware of the hazards and take necessary precautions when responding to carbon monoxide incidents.
Hazard overview: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature, making it extremely dangerous as it provides no warning of exposure. The LC50 value for carbon monoxide is not established, but it is known to be highly toxic. Carbon monoxide can cause severe health effects, including death, and first responders should be aware of the hazards and take necessary precautions, including wearing Level A PPE with SCBA and isolating the area 100m in all directions.
Response guidance: In the event of a carbon monoxide spill or leak, first responders should isolate the area 100m in all directions and evacuate downwind 800m if the spill is large. The correct suppression agent for carbon monoxide fires is CO2, dry chemical, or water spray for cooling containers. Foam is not typically required for gas fires. Decontamination is essential, and first responders should wear Level A PPE with SCBA to prevent exposure. CHEMTREC should be contacted immediately in the event of a carbon monoxide incident.
Firefighter training notes: First responders should be trained on the hazards of carbon monoxide, including its toxicity and potential for causing severe health effects. They should be aware of the correct PPE to wear, including Level A with SCBA, and the importance of isolating the area 100m in all directions. A common tactical error when responding to carbon monoxide incidents is not wearing the correct PPE, which can lead to severe health effects. ICS position needs and mutual aid criteria should be established to ensure a coordinated response to carbon monoxide incidents.
Regulatory context: Carbon monoxide is classified as a DOT class 2 gas, and it is a known toxic gas. The OSHA PEL for carbon monoxide is 50 ppm, and the TLV is 25 ppm. Carbon monoxide is on the CERCLA list, and it is subject to strict regulations and guidelines.
Storage & handling: Carbon monoxide should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources and incompatible materials. The temperature limit for carbon monoxide storage is not established, but it should be stored in a cool, dry place. The top 3 incompatible materials for carbon monoxide are oxygen, chlorine, and ammonia. The ventilation standard for carbon monoxide storage is to provide adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide vapors.
UN 1016 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1016
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Some may cause severe skin burns and
- 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.
- Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May form explosive mixtures with air. Ethylene oxide (UN1040) may react explosively even in the
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature. It has a boiling point of -191.5°C (-312.7°F) and a vapor density of 0.97, which is slightly lighter than air. Carbon monoxide is a non-irritating gas, making it extremely dangerous as it provides no warning of exposure.
| Also known as | Carbon monoxideCOCarbonic oxideFlue gasCarbon oxide |
| CAS Number | 630-08-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas at room temperature. Slightly lighter than air. Non-irritating, making it extremely dangerous as it provides no warning of exposure. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (gas) |
| Boiling Point | -191.5C (-312.7F) |
| Vapor Density | 0.97 (slightly lighter than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1016
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
First responders responding to carbon monoxide incidents should wear Level A PPE with SCBA, including chemical-resistant gloves and suits. The ppe_level for carbon monoxide is Level A with SCBA required in high concentrations, as it is a toxic gas that can cause severe health effects. The SCBA type should be compatible with the hazards of carbon monoxide, and the suit material should be resistant to carbon monoxide.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1016 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 1016 — Carbon monoxide, 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.