UN 2916 — Radioactive material, Type B(U) package, non fissile or fissile-excepted
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 163. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2916 applies to radioactive material in a Type B(U) package, non-fissile or fissile-excepted. These packages are engineered for higher-activity contents, so incident size-up must focus on package integrity, labels, transport index and radiological readings.
Hazard overview: An undamaged Type B(U) package is designed to contain and shield its contents. If impact, fire or leakage compromises the package, external radiation or contamination risk may increase and responders should use time, distance and shielding principles.
Response guidance: Keep the package under control, isolate damaged or suspect packages and contact the radiation authority. Do not open, move or wet the package unless life safety or expert radiological guidance requires it. Use meters and dosimetry when available.
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 2916 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2916
- 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 2916 is a robust radioactive shipping package classification. The contained radioactive material may be solid, liquid or gas, and the outer package may be metal or other engineered shielding and containment.
| Also known as | Type B(U) radioactive packageUN2916 radioactive materialType B uranium package non-fissileradioactive material excepted package |
| Appearance | Sealed package containing radioactive material with radiation levels requiring Type B(U) packaging; physical state varies depending on contents (solid, liquid, or gas forms of radioactive isotopes). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (radioactive material, varies by contents) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by radioactive contents) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (sealed package) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction from packaging; contents reactivity varies by specific radioactive material enclosed |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2916
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use standard emergency PPE for the scene hazards, SCBA for smoke or suspected breach, and dosimetry or survey meters for radiation control. PPE does not replace distance, shielding and exposure time management.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2916 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 2916 — Radioactive material, Type B(U) 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.