UN 2912 — Radioactive material, low specific activity (LSA-I), non fissile or fissile-excepted
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 162. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2912 is Radioactive material, low specific activity (LSA-I), non fissile or fissile-excepted, a radioactive material entry assigned to ERG Guide 162. Damaged package contamination and radiation survey are key concerns.
Hazard overview: RADIOACTIVE material with low specific activity or surface contamination; external radiation and contamination control are primary concerns. Risk increases if packages are crushed, burned or opened and contamination is spread. Dust, debris or liquid runoff may carry radioactive contamination.
Response guidance: For UN 2912, protect life safety first, isolate damaged packages and notify radiation authority. Limit handling, control runoff/debris and use monitoring plus ERG 162 for final decisions.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2912 should emphasize package labels, radiation authority notification, contamination control, dosimetry/survey use, runoff control and life-safety priority. Use ERG 162 and local radiation SOP.
Regulatory context: Radioactive material, low specific activity (LSA-I), non fissile or fissile-excepted 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, low specific activity (LSA-I), non fissile or fissile-excepted 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 2912 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2912
- RADIOACTIVE material with low specific activity or surface contamination; external radiation and contamination control are primary concerns.
- Risk increases if packages are crushed, burned or opened and contamination is spread.
- Dust, debris or liquid runoff may carry radioactive contamination.
- Fire may damage packaging and create contaminated smoke, ash or runoff.
- Survey instruments and radiation authority guidance are needed for final control decisions.
- Keep unprotected personnel away from damaged packages or loose contents.
- Lifesaving and fire control priorities remain important while limiting contamination spread.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) depending on specific material; LSA-I materials have very low radioactivity concentrations distributed throughout, such as contaminated earth, concrete, or ores. Appearance varies widely based on source material.
| Also known as | LSA-I radioactive materialLow specific activity material Class INon-fissile radioactive cargoLSA-I non-special formLow level radioactive waste |
| Appearance | Variable physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) depending on specific material; LSA-I materials have very low radioactivity concentrations distributed throughout, such as contaminated earth, concrete, or ores. Appearance varies widely based on source material. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (varies by specific material composition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by specific material composition) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (varies by specific material composition) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction; depends on carrier matrix material |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2912
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 2912 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 162, shipping papers, package labels and radiation monitoring to guide isolation and cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2912 — Radioactive material, low specific activUse 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.