UN 2908 — Radioactive material, excepted package, empty packaging
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 161. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2908 is Radioactive material, excepted package, empty packaging, a radioactive excepted package entry assigned to ERG Guide 161. Package integrity and contamination control guide response.
Hazard overview: RADIOACTIVE excepted package; radiation levels are normally very low when package integrity is maintained. Main response risk is package damage, contamination spread or loss of source control. Some instruments or articles may contain sealed sources or depleted uranium components.
Response guidance: For UN 2908, protect life safety first, isolate damaged packages and notify radiation authority. Limit handling, control runoff/debris and use monitoring plus ERG 161 for final decisions.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2908 should emphasize package labels, radiation authority notification, contamination control, dosimetry/survey use, runoff control and life-safety priority. Use ERG 161 and local radiation SOP.
Regulatory context: Radioactive material, excepted package, empty packaging is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Radioactive material, excepted package, empty packaging should be stored and transported only in compliant labeled packages, protected from damage, loss, unauthorized access and contamination spread. Follow radiation authority and carrier requirements.
UN 2908 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2908
- RADIOACTIVE excepted package; radiation levels are normally very low when package integrity is maintained.
- Main response risk is package damage, contamination spread or loss of source control.
- Some instruments or articles may contain sealed sources or depleted uranium components.
- Fire may damage packaging and create smoke or contamination-control issues.
- Damaged packages should be isolated and handled under radiation authority guidance.
- Standard instruments may not detect all low-level or shielded contents.
- Do not delay lifesaving actions solely because of the radioactive label.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Empty packaging or container that previously held radioactive materials. Physical form varies (metal drums, boxes, crates). May show residual contamination levels below regulatory thresholds.
| Also known as | Excepted radioactive packageEmpty radioactive packagingRAM excepted package emptyClass 7 excepted empty package |
| Appearance | Empty packaging or container that previously held radioactive materials. Physical form varies (metal drums, boxes, crates). May show residual contamination levels below regulatory thresholds. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (empty packaging) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (empty packaging) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (empty packaging) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction - empty packaging only |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2908
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use PPE for the dominant hazard plus dosimetry and contamination-control measures when available. Avoid handling damaged packages without radiation monitoring.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2908 Incident
- Call 911 and notify the radiation authority according to local procedures.
- Protect life safety first while minimizing time near damaged packages.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of smoke, runoff or damaged contents.
- Do not handle damaged packages or loose contents without proper training and monitoring.
- Detain potentially contaminated people or equipment for assessment without delaying urgent medical care.
- Use ERG Guide 161, shipping papers, package labels and radiation monitoring to guide isolation and cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2908 — Radioactive material, excepted package,Use 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.