☣️ UN 1020 • CLASS 2

UN 1020 — Chloropentafluoroethane

Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. 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.

Chloropentafluoroethane is a colorless, odorless liquefied gas, shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure. It is used in various industrial applications, but requires careful handling due to its potential hazards.

Hazard overview: Chloropentafluoroethane is a non-flammable gas, but some may burn, and containers may explode when heated, posing a significant threat to people and property. It can also cause frostbite and other cold-related injuries if not handled properly.

Response guidance: In case of a chloropentafluoroethane leak, isolate the area immediately, and protect from heat and fire sources. Use CO2, dry chemical, or water spray to cool containers, and wear Level B minimum protective equipment, including SCBA and cold-resistant gloves for handling cylinders.

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UN 1020 Quick Details

UN 1020
Product name: Chloropentafluoroethane
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Non-Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 126 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions

Common Hazards of UN 1020

  • 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

Chloropentafluoroethane is a colorless, odorless liquefied gas, and does not react significantly with water.

Also known asCFC-115Refrigerant 115R-115Genetron 115PentafluorochloroethaneMonochloropentafluoroethane
CAS Number76-15-3
AppearanceColorless, odorless liquefied gas. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure.
Flash PointNot applicable (non-flammable gas)
Boiling Point-39C (-38F)
Vapor Density5.2 (heavier than air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1020

Extinguishing Media

CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling containers; foam not typically required for non-flammable gas

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations; cold-resistant gloves for handling cylinders to prevent frostbite

Level B minimum protective equipment, including SCBA and cold-resistant gloves for handling cylinders, is required when handling chloropentafluoroethane in confined spaces or areas with potential for leaks.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 126).

First Actions for a UN 1020 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 1020 — Chloropentafluoroethane
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1020 Product: Chloropentafluoroethane Class 2 / Non-Flammable Gas / ERG 126 PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations; cold-resistant gloves for handling cylinders to prevent frostbite ISOLATION: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1020 — Chloropentafluoroethane Class: 2 | Placard: Non-Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 126 Appearance: Colorless, odorless liquefied gas. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas under pressure. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water Extinguishing: CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling containers; foam not typically required for non-flammable gas PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or high concentrations; cold-resistant gloves for handling cylinders to prevent frostbite Isolation: ERG 126: Initial isolation 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions — Key Hazards — • Some may burn but none ignite readily. • Containers may explode when heated. • Ruptured cylinders may rocket. — 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/1020 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1020 Chloropentafluoroethane Cls2 ERG126 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1020SMS / 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/chloropentafluoroethane-un-1020

Related UN Numbers in Class 2

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1020

No, UN 1020 Chloropentafluoroethane is a non-flammable gas, but containers may still explode when heated.

UN 1020 Chloropentafluoroethane does not react significantly with water.

Level B minimum protective equipment, including SCBA and cold-resistant gloves for handling cylinders, is required when handling UN 1020 Chloropentafluoroethane in confined spaces or areas with potential for leaks.
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.