☣️ UN 1026 • CLASS 2

UN 1026 — Cyanogen

Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. 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.

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.

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UN 1026 Quick Details

UN 1026
Product name: Cyanogen
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Toxic Gas
ERG Guide: 119 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 119: Small spill isolate 100m all directions; large spill isolate 800m all directions, evacuate 1600m downwind during day or 2400m at night

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 asDicyanogenOxalonitrileEthanedinitrileCarbon nitrideDicyan
CAS Number460-19-5
AppearanceColorless gas with a characteristic almond-like or pungent odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Heavier than air.
Flash PointNot applicable (flammable gas)
Boiling Point-21C (-6F)
Vapor Density1.8 (heavier than air)
Water ReactivityHydrolyzes slowly in water forming toxic hydrogen cyanide and other products
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1026

Extinguishing Media

No agent is needed for the gas itself. Use water spray from a protected position to cool exposed cylinders or tanks; use extinguishing agents appropriate for surrounding materials.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level A recommended; SCBA with full face positive pressure; chemical-resistant suit due to extreme toxicity and skin absorption hazard

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

ERG 119: Small spill isolate 100m all directions; large spill isolate 800m all directions, evacuate 1600m downwind during day or 2400m at night
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 119).

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.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1026 — Cyanogen
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1026 Product: Cyanogen Class 2 / Toxic Gas / ERG 119 PPE: Level A recommended; SCBA with full face positive pressure; chemical-resistant suit due to extreme toxicity and skin absorption hazard ISOLATION: ERG 119: Small spill isolate 100m all directions; large spill isolate 800m all directions, evacuate 1600m downwind during day or 2400m at night 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 1026 — Cyanogen Class: 2 | Placard: Toxic Gas | ERG Guide: 119 Appearance: Colorless gas with a characteristic almond-like or pungent odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Heavier than air. Water Reactivity: Hydrolyzes slowly in water forming toxic hydrogen cyanide and other products Extinguishing: No agent is needed for the gas itself. Use water spray from a protected position to cool exposed cylinders or tanks; use extinguishing agents appropriate for surrounding materials. PPE: Level A recommended; SCBA with full face positive pressure; chemical-resistant suit due to extreme toxicity and skin absorption hazard Isolation: ERG 119: Small spill isolate 100m all directions; large spill isolate 800m all directions, evacuate 1600m downwind during day or 2400m at night — Key Hazards — • 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. — First Actions — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/cyanogen-un-1026 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

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

SMS (short)
UN1026 Cyanogen Cls2 ERG119 | ERG 119: Small spill isolate 100m all directions; large spill isolate 800m all d | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/cyanogen-un-1026SMS / 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/cyanogen-un-1026

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 1026

UN 1026 is Cyanogen, a Class 2 gas assigned to ERG Guide 119.

No, it is not classified as a flammable gas, but heated cylinders and fire decomposition products can still be dangerous.

ERG Guide 119 applies to UN 1026 and should be used for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

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.

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.

Responders should isolate the area, stay upwind, verify the product with shipping papers and SDS, use ERG Guide 119, monitor the atmosphere when possible and follow incident command and local SOP.
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.