UN 2915 — Radioactive material, Type A package, non-special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 163. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2915 covers radioactive material in a Type A package, non-special form, non-fissile or fissile-excepted. For responders, package condition matters more than appearance: intact packages are normally controlled, while damaged packages require isolation and radiation survey support.
Hazard overview: The main concern is radiation exposure or contamination if the package is damaged. Type A packages may contain medical, industrial or research isotopes in different physical forms, so responders should not assume the contents are visible, odorless or detectable with every meter.
Response guidance: Prioritize life safety and fire control, then isolate the package area and request the radiation authority. Avoid direct contact with damaged packages, use survey instruments and dosimetry when available, and keep potentially contaminated people or equipment controlled until radiological guidance is received.
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 2915 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2915
- 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
UN 2915 is a package classification, not one single chemical. Contents may be solid, liquid or gaseous radioactive material inside approved Type A packaging such as cartons, boxes, drums or articles.
| Also known as | Type A radioactive packageRAM Type Anon-fissile radioactive materialexcepted fissile radioactive materiallow activity radioactive material |
| Appearance | Various physical forms including solids, liquids, or gases contained in approved Type A packaging (cartons, boxes, drums). Contents may include medical isotopes, industrial sources, or laboratory materials with limited radioactivity levels. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (varies by specific radioactive material contained) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by specific radioactive material contained) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (varies by specific radioactive material contained) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction, though depends on specific radioactive material contained |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2915
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Structural firefighting gear offers limited protection from contamination, not from penetrating radiation. Use SCBA for smoke, avoid touching damaged packages, wear dosimetry when available and follow radiation authority guidance for decontamination.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2915 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 2915 — Radioactive material, Type A package, noUse 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.