UN 1954 — Refrigerant gases, n.o.s. (flammable)
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1954 is Refrigerant gases, n.o.s. (flammable), a flammable refrigerant gas entry assigned to ERG Guide 115. It can accumulate in low areas and ignite from distant sources.
Hazard overview: UN 1954 presents flammable gas, flashback, low-area accumulation, frostbite and cylinder rupture hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1954 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 115. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1954 should emphasize gas vapor travel, flashback, cylinder cooling, BLEVE/rocket hazards, source isolation, invisible or low-lying vapor behavior and ignition control. Use ERG 115, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Refrigerant gases, n.o.s. (flammable) is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Requirements for storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling 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 gases, n.o.s. (flammable) cylinders or containers should be secured in a cool, ventilated gas storage area away from heat, flames, ignition sources, oxidizers where incompatible and physical damage. Follow SDS and local code for gas detection and emergency shutoff.
UN 1954 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1954
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE compressed or liquefied refrigerant gas; vapors may ignite easily.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back from distant ignition sources.
- Heavy gas may collect in low areas, basements, drains and confined spaces.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent, rupture or rocket.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic decomposition products depending on refrigerant composition.
- Refrigerant identity should be confirmed from cylinder marking and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to slightly odorless compressed or liquefied gas at room temperature. May have a faint hydrocarbon odor depending on specific refrigerant composition.
| Also known as | Compressed refrigerant gasFlammable refrigerant mixtureLiquefied refrigerant gasHydrocarbon refrigerantsR-series flammable refrigerants |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly odorless compressed or liquefied gas at room temperature. May have a faint hydrocarbon odor depending on specific refrigerant composition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific refrigerant; typically -50C to 0C (-58F to 32F) for common flammable refrigerants |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 1.5-3.0 relative to air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; gas may dissolve slightly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1954
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for leak, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear flame-resistant protection, eye/face protection and insulated gloves where liquefied or cryogenic gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1954 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, smoke or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep gas or vapor out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, cylinder heating, vapor accumulation, unknown gas identity or downwind exposure.
- Use ERG Guide 115, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1954 — Refrigerant gases, n.o.s. (flammable)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.