☣️ UN 2913 • CLASS 7

UN 2913 — Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), non fissile or fissile-excepted

Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 162. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ Verification required: Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

UN 2913 is Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), 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 2913, 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 2913 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, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), 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, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), 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.

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UN 2913 Quick Details

UN 2913
Product name: Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), non fissile or fissile-excepted
DOT Class: 7
Placard type: Radioactive
ERG Guide: 162 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 162: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills or package damage; restrict entry to authorized radiation personnel only

Common Hazards of UN 2913

  • 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

Solid objects or equipment with radioactive contamination on surfaces. Appearance varies widely depending on the contaminated item (machinery, tools, containers, etc.). Not a chemical substance but physical objects with surface radioactivity.

Also known asSCO-ISCO-IISCO-IIISurface contaminated objectsRadioactive contaminated equipmentContaminated articles
AppearanceSolid objects or equipment with radioactive contamination on surfaces. Appearance varies widely depending on the contaminated item (machinery, tools, containers, etc.). Not a chemical substance but physical objects with surface radioactivity.
Flash PointNot applicable (contaminated solid objects)
Boiling PointNot applicable (contaminated solid objects)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid objects)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction from radioactive contamination itself; reactivity depends on the underlying object material
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2913

Extinguishing Media

Use agents appropriate for the burning packaging or surrounding fire. Control runoff and debris as potentially contaminated until surveyed.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Protective clothing to prevent contamination; dosimetry required; respiratory protection if damage creates airborne particles; Level C minimum with radiological monitoring

Use PPE for the dominant hazard plus dosimetry and contamination-control measures when available. Avoid handling damaged packages without radiation monitoring.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 162: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills or package damage; restrict entry to authorized radiation personnel only
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 162).

First Actions for a UN 2913 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.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 2913 — Radioactive material, surface contaminat
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2913 Product: Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), non fissile or fissile-excepted Class 7 / Radioactive / ERG 162 PPE: Protective clothing to prevent contamination; dosimetry required; respiratory protection if damage creates airborne particles; Level C minimum with radiological monitoring ISOLATION: ERG 162: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills or package damage; restrict entry to authorized radiation personnel only ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 2913 — Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), non fissile or fissile-excepted Class: 7 | Placard: Radioactive | ERG Guide: 162 Appearance: Solid objects or equipment with radioactive contamination on surfaces. Appearance varies widely depending on the contaminated item (machinery, tools, containers, etc.). Not a chemical substance but physical objects with surface radioactivity. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction from radioactive contamination itself; reactivity depends on the underlying object material Extinguishing: Use agents appropriate for the burning packaging or surrounding fire. Control runoff and debris as potentially contaminated until surveyed. PPE: Protective clothing to prevent contamination; dosimetry required; respiratory protection if damage creates airborne particles; Level C minimum with radiological monitoring Isolation: ERG 162: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; increase isolation distance for large spills or package damage; restrict entry to authorized radiation personnel only — Key Hazards — • 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. — First Actions — • 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. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/radioactive-material-surface-contaminated-un-2913 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN2913 Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), non fissile or fissile-excepted Cls7 ERG162 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/radioactive-material-surface-contaminated-un-2913SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

Open in Messages WhatsApp
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/radioactive-material-surface-contaminated-un-2913

Related UN Numbers in Class 7

Open Class Guide →Hazmat Hub →
UN 2908UN 2909UN 2910UN 2911UN 2912UN 2915UN 2916UN 2917UN 2919UN 2977UN 2978UN 2982
Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2913

UN 2913 is Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, SCO-II or SCO-III), non fissile or fissile-excepted, assigned to ERG Guide 162.

Flammability depends on packaging or carrier materials; the listed hazard is not primarily flammability.

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.

Use PPE for the dominant hazard plus dosimetry and contamination-control measures when available. Avoid handling damaged packages without radiation monitoring.

Use agents appropriate for the burning packaging or surrounding fire. Control runoff and debris as potentially contaminated until surveyed.

Package damage and contamination spread are usually more important than external radiation when packages remain intact.

Notify the radiation authority or radiation safety officer according to local procedures and shipping paper information.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.
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