UN 2919 — Radioactive material, transported under special arrangement, non fissile or fissile-excepted
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 163. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2919 applies to radioactive material transported under special arrangement, non-fissile or fissile-excepted. This entry is variable by design, so shipping papers and radiation authority instructions are essential for the actual response plan.
Hazard overview: Undamaged packages may present limited risk, but special arrangement shipments can involve unusual packaging, controls or contents. Damaged packages may release contamination or increase radiation levels, and responders should not rely on appearance alone.
Response guidance: Establish a controlled area, verify the special arrangement details from shipping papers and notify the radiation authority. Use radiation instruments, limit time near the package, avoid direct contact and keep potentially contaminated people or equipment isolated.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to recognize Class 7 labels, transport index markings, package types and the difference between exposure and contamination. Do not delay life-saving actions, but minimize time near damaged packages, maximize distance, use shielding when practical and request radiological technical support early.
Regulatory context: Class 7 shipments are regulated through DOT radioactive material transport rules and package approval requirements. Incident decisions should be coordinated with the radiation authority, carrier emergency contact, shipper and applicable federal or state radiological response agencies.
Storage & handling: Keep packages secure, labeled and protected from impact, fire and unauthorized access. Store away from high-traffic areas and verify that package condition, labels and shipping documents remain intact according to the shipper's radiation safety program.
UN 2919 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2919
- Undamaged approved radioactive packages normally present low risk to responders and the public.
- Damaged packages may create higher external radiation levels or contamination hazards.
- Radiation levels depend on label category, transport index, shielding and package condition.
- Some sources may not be detected by all commonly available instruments.
- Fire, impact or water damage can compromise containment or shielding.
- Contaminated runoff, debris or equipment may spread radioactive material.
- Exposure control depends on time, distance, shielding and expert radiological assessment.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Physical form varies widely. The shipment may include sealed sources, contaminated equipment, medical or industrial isotopes, or other radioactive materials in approved packaging.
| Also known as | Radioactive material special arrangementRAM special arrangementType A radioactive packageNon-fissile radioactive materialFissile-excepted radioactive material |
| Appearance | Varies widely; typically solid materials packaged in Type A containers (drums, boxes, cartons). May include contaminated equipment, sealed sources, or medical/industrial isotopes. No characteristic color or odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (radioactive hazard, not flammability) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (depends on specific material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (typically solid forms) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction; specific material dependent |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2919
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use standard scene PPE plus SCBA for smoke or breach conditions. Dosimetry and radiation survey instruments are important; PPE must be supported by time, distance and shielding practices.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2919 Incident
- Call 911 and notify the radiation authority or radiation safety officer through dispatch.
- Life safety, rescue, fire control and other immediate hazards remain the first priorities.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish a controlled perimeter.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid direct contact with damaged packages.
- Do not handle suspected contaminated people or equipment except under incident command.
- Use radiation survey instruments and dosimetry when available.
- Verify package type, label category, transport index and shipping papers before reducing controls.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2919 — Radioactive material, transported underUse 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.