UN 1913 — Neon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 120. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1913 is Neon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid), a non-flammable cryogenic inert gas assigned to ERG Guide 120. The primary hazards are oxygen displacement, frostbite and pressure/container failure.
Hazard overview: UN 1913 presents asphyxiation, cryogenic burn, cold vapor cloud and container rupture hazards. It is odorless and inert, so oxygen monitoring is important in confined spaces.
Response guidance: For a UN 1913 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 120. 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 1913 should emphasize oxygen displacement, cryogenic frostbite, pressure relief, cylinder rupture/rocket hazard, ventilation and oxygen monitoring. Use ERG 120, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Neon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) 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: Neon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) containers should be secured in a cool, ventilated area away from heat, flames, physical damage and incompatible materials. Gas storage should include leak control, ventilation and emergency planning appropriate to SDS and local code.
UN 1913 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1913
- NON-FLAMMABLE cryogenic inert gas; vapor may displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation without warning.
- Contact with refrigerated liquid or cold vapor can cause severe frostbite and cryogenic burns.
- Rapid vaporization can create pressure buildup and cold, dense vapor clouds near the release.
- Gas is inert and odorless, so oxygen deficiency may not be noticed by responders.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Cold liquid can embrittle some materials and damage equipment.
- Ventilation and oxygen monitoring are critical in confined or low areas.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, odorless cryogenic liquid. Boils at extremely low temperature (-246°C). Inert noble gas in liquid form.
| Also known as | Liquefied neonCryogenic neonLIN (liquefied inert neon)Refrigerated liquid neon |
| CAS Number | 7440-01-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless cryogenic liquid. Boils at extremely low temperature (-246°C). Inert noble gas in liquid form. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inert gas) |
| Boiling Point | -246°C (-411°F) |
| Vapor Density | 0.7 (lighter than air as gas, but vapor from liquid initially heavier) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1913
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use cryogenic gloves, face shield and protective clothing for liquid contact. Use SCBA and oxygen monitoring in confined or low areas because oxygen displacement may occur without warning.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1913 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 and confined spaces until oxygen levels are verified; protect against cryogenic frostbite.
- 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 120, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1913 — Neon, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liqUse 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.