UN 1858 — Hexafluoropropylene, compressed
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1858 is Hexafluoropropylene, compressed, a compressed non-flammable gas assigned to ERG Guide 126. The main hazards are cylinder rupture, heavier-than-air gas accumulation, asphyxiation and frostbite from liquefied gas.
Hazard overview: UN 1858 presents pressure, cold-burn, oxygen-displacement and toxic decomposition-product hazards in fire. Cylinders may rocket or rupture when heated.
Response guidance: For a UN 1858 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 126. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1858 should emphasize heavier-than-air gas behavior, cylinder rupture/rocket hazard, oxygen displacement, frostbite risk, vapor monitoring and downwind control. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Hexafluoropropylene, compressed is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Hexafluoropropylene, compressed cylinders should be secured upright in a cool, ventilated area away from heat, flames, physical damage and incompatible materials. Toxic or corrosive gas storage should include leak detection and emergency ventilation where required by SDS and local code.
UN 1858 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1858
- Compressed liquefied gas; cylinders or containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Non-flammable under normal response conditions, but fire may produce toxic and corrosive decomposition products.
- Gas is heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas, displacing oxygen.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning in enclosed spaces.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite and severe cold burns.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
- Water spray may be used to cool containers from a protected distance.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, odorless compressed gas. Liquefied under pressure. Non-flammable but supports combustion of other materials.
| Also known as | HFPPerfluoropropylenePerfluoropropene1,1,2,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-1-propeneR-1216 |
| CAS Number | 116-15-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless compressed gas. Liquefied under pressure. Non-flammable but supports combustion of other materials. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -29C (-20F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water. Hydrolyzes slowly in presence of moisture. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1858
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA in leaks, confined spaces, fire or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Wear insulated gloves and eye/face protection for liquefied gas frostbite risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1858 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 vapors, fumes, dust, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid low areas, basements, trenches and confined spaces where heavier-than-air gas may collect.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled 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 leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 126, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1858 — Hexafluoropropylene, 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.