UN 2192 — Germane
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2192 is Germane, a toxic flammable liquefied compressed gas assigned to ERG Guide 119. It can form explosive mixtures with air and requires toxic gas controls.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE liquefied compressed gas; inhalation may be fatal. May ignite and form explosive mixtures with air; some releases may ignite readily. Gas is heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
Response guidance: For a UN 2192 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 119. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2192 should emphasize toxic flammable gas behavior, source isolation, downwind monitoring, cylinder cooling, ignition control, Level A decisions and medical coordination. Use ERG 119, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Germane is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Germane containers should be secured in a cool, ventilated gas storage area away from heat, physical damage and incompatible materials. Toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive or refrigerated gases require leak detection/ventilation and emergency planning according to SDS and local code.
UN 2192 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2192
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE liquefied compressed gas; inhalation may be fatal.
- May ignite and form explosive mixtures with air; some releases may ignite readily.
- Gas is heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite and severe injury.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent toxic/flammable gas, rupture or rocket.
- Fire may produce germanium oxide and other irritating/toxic gases.
- Odor is not a reliable warning for toxic exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless gas with a garlic-like odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.
| Also known as | Germanium tetrahydrideGermanium hydrideMonogermaneGeH4 |
| CAS Number | 7782-65-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas with a garlic-like odor. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (flammable gas, autoignites at 280C/536F) |
| Boiling Point | -88C (-126F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water producing germanium dioxide and hydrogen gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2192
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and fully encapsulating chemical protective clothing for close entry or unknown concentrations. Level A may be needed; protect against frostbite where liquefied gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2192 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.
- Avoid breathing gas, vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and treat the release as both toxic and flammable.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor/gas spread, cylinder heating, oxidizer reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 119, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2192 — GermaneUse 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.