UN 2193 — Refrigerant gas R-116
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2193 is Refrigerant gas R-116, a non-flammable liquefied compressed refrigerant gas assigned to ERG Guide 126. Asphyxiation, frostbite and toxic decomposition in fire are the main hazards.
Hazard overview: NON-FLAMMABLE liquefied compressed refrigerant gas; pressure and asphyxiation hazards are primary. Heavy vapor may collect in low or confined areas and displace oxygen. Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
Response guidance: For a UN 2193 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 126. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2193 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Refrigerant gas R-116 is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Refrigerant gas R-116 containers should be secured in a cool, ventilated gas storage area away from heat, physical damage and incompatible materials. Toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive or refrigerated gases require leak detection/ventilation and emergency planning according to SDS and local code.
UN 2193 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2193
- NON-FLAMMABLE liquefied compressed refrigerant gas; pressure and asphyxiation hazards are primary.
- Heavy vapor may collect in low or confined areas and displace oxygen.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Fire or hot surfaces may decompose refrigerant and produce toxic/corrosive fluoride gases.
- Vapor may cause dizziness or unconsciousness in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Specific refrigerant hazards should be confirmed from SDS and cylinder markings.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, odorless gas. Non-flammable compressed gas. Heavier than air.
| Also known as | HexafluoroethanePerfluoroethaneCarbon hexafluorideFC-116Freon 116 |
| CAS Number | 76-16-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless gas. Non-flammable compressed gas. Heavier than air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | -78C (-109F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; insoluble in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2193
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and oxygen monitoring in confined or oxygen-deficient areas. Wear face shield, insulated/cryogenic gloves and protective clothing where liquefied or refrigerated gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2193 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing gas, vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid low or confined areas until oxygen readings and gas monitoring are completed.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor/gas spread, cylinder heating, oxidizer reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 126, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2193 — Refrigerant gas R-116Use 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.