UN 1964 — Hydrocarbon gas mixture, compressed, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1964 is Hydrocarbon gas mixture, compressed, n.o.s., a liquefied or compressed hydrocarbon fuel gas entry assigned to ERG Guide 115. Vapors are heavier than air and can flash back from low areas.
Hazard overview: UN 1964 presents LPG-type flammable gas, low-area accumulation, flashback, frostbite and BLEVE/container rupture hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1964 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 115. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1964 should emphasize gas vapor travel, flashback, cylinder cooling, BLEVE/rocket hazards, source isolation, invisible or low-lying vapor behavior and ignition control. Use ERG 115, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Hydrocarbon gas mixture, compressed, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Requirements for storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling 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: Hydrocarbon gas mixture, compressed, n.o.s. cylinders or containers should be secured in a cool, ventilated gas storage area away from heat, flames, ignition sources, oxidizers where incompatible and physical damage. Follow SDS and local code for gas detection and emergency shutoff.
UN 1964 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1964
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE liquefied petroleum/hydrocarbon gas mixture.
- Vapors are heavier than air and can collect in low areas, drains, basements and confined spaces.
- Gas may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Containers exposed to heat may vent, rupture or BLEVE/rocket.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Vapor clouds can form explosive mixtures with air.
- Do not extinguish a leaking gas fire unless the gas flow can be stopped safely.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow compressed gas with characteristic hydrocarbon or petroleum-like odor. Stored under pressure as liquefied gas; heavier than air when released.
| Also known as | Compressed hydrocarbon gasLPG mixtureFuel gas mixtureCompressed petroleum gas mixtureHydrocarbon gas NOS |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow compressed gas with characteristic hydrocarbon or petroleum-like odor. Stored under pressure as liquefied gas; heavier than air when released. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on composition; typically -42°C to -1°C (-44°F to 30°F) for common LPG mixtures |
| Vapor Density | 1.5-2.0 (heavier than air; vapors will accumulate in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water; gas is insoluble and will separate |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1964
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for leak, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear flame-resistant protection, eye/face protection and insulated gloves where liquefied or cryogenic gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1964 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, smoke or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep gas or vapor out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, cylinder heating, vapor accumulation, unknown gas identity or downwind exposure.
- Use ERG Guide 115, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1964 — Hydrocarbon gas mixture, compressed, n.oUse 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.