UN 1026 — Cyanogen
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1026 is Cyanogen, a Class 2 non-flammable liquefied gas assigned to ERG Guide 119. It is typically a refrigerant or halogenated compressed gas with asphyxiation, frostbite, pressure-container and decomposition hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1026 is generally not easily ignited, but it can displace oxygen, collect in low areas and cause frostbite from liquefied gas contact. Fire exposure can heat cylinders and may produce irritating, corrosive or toxic decomposition products.
Response guidance: For a UN 1026 incident, responders should verify the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 119. Isolate the area, avoid low/confined spaces, use SCBA for unknown atmospheres, ventilate under command direction and cool exposed containers from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1026 should emphasize refrigerant/asphyxiant behavior, low-area vapor accumulation, frostbite, cylinder heating and toxic decomposition products during fire. Common errors include entering confined spaces without SCBA, ignoring oxygen monitoring and standing too close to heated cylinders.
Regulatory context: Cyanogen is regulated as a Class 2 hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Cyanogen cylinders should be stored secured in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from heat, physical damage and incompatible materials. Storage areas should prevent cylinder impact, valve damage, unauthorized access and gas accumulation in low or confined spaces.
UN 1026 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1026
- Non-flammable liquefied gas; primary hazards are pressure, asphyxiation and frostbite.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning in closed or confined areas.
- Vapors from liquefied gas may be heavier than air and collect in low areas.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive or toxic decomposition products.
- Some fluorinated refrigerants can decompose in fire to hazardous gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless gas with a characteristic almond-like or pungent odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Heavier than air.
| Also known as | DicyanogenOxalonitrileEthanedinitrileCarbon nitrideDicyan |
| CAS Number | 460-19-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas with a characteristic almond-like or pungent odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Heavier than air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -21C (-6F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.8 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water forming toxic hydrogen cyanide and other products |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1026
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for confined-space, high-concentration or unknown-atmosphere entry. Insulated gloves and eye/face protection are needed where liquefied gas contact is possible; final PPE should follow SDS and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1026 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid low or confined areas where gas may accumulate and displace oxygen.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Use SCBA for confined-space, high-concentration or unknown-atmosphere entry.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions for a significant release.
- Cool exposed cylinders or tanks from a protected position if fire or heat exposure is present.
- Use ERG Guide 119, shipping papers, SDS and incident command to set protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1026 — CyanogenUse 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.