UN 2911 — Radioactive material, excepted package, instruments
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 161. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2911 is Radioactive material, excepted package, instruments, 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 2911, 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 2911 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, instruments 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, instruments 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 2911 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2911
- 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
Varies by instrument type; typically manufactured devices containing sealed radioactive sources or small quantities of radioactive material. May include gauges, detectors, or measurement instruments. Minimal external radiation hazard under normal conditions.
| Also known as | Excepted radioactive packageRadioactive excepted instrumentsLow-level radioactive instrumentsExempt radioactive devices |
| Appearance | Varies by instrument type; typically manufactured devices containing sealed radioactive sources or small quantities of radioactive material. May include gauges, detectors, or measurement instruments. Minimal external radiation hazard under normal conditions. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (manufactured instruments) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (manufactured instruments) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (manufactured instruments) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction under normal conditions; radioactive material is typically sealed within instrument housing |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2911
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 2911 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 2911 — 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.