☣️ UN 3358 • CLASS 2

UN 3358 — Refrigerating machines, containing flammable, non-poisonous, liquefied gas

Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

🚒☣️
⚠️ Verification required: Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

UN 3358 applies to refrigeration units or machinery containing flammable, non-poisonous liquefied gas refrigerants.

Hazard overview: If the sealed system leaks, flammable vapor can collect in low areas and ignite. Liquefied gas contact may cause frostbite.

Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove ignition sources, ventilate if safe and cool exposed machinery from a distance. Do not enter confined areas without SCBA.

Advertisement

UN 3358 Quick Details

UN 3358
Product name: Refrigerating machines, containing flammable, non-poisonous, liquefied gas
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Flammable Gas
ERG Guide: 115 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, evacuate 800m radius

Common Hazards of UN 3358

  • EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
  • Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Will form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Complete refrigeration units or machines containing flammable, non-toxic liquefied gases such as hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane) or ammonia refrigerants. Typically metal enclosures with compressor, condenser, and evaporator components.

Also known asRefrigerating machinesRefrigeration equipment containing flammable gasRefrigerant-containing appliancesCooling units with flammable refrigerant
AppearanceComplete refrigeration units or machines containing flammable, non-toxic liquefied gases such as hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane) or ammonia refrigerants. Typically metal enclosures with compressor, condenser, and evaporator components.
Flash PointNot applicable (pressurized liquefied gas within sealed system)
Boiling PointVaries by refrigerant: typically -42C to -12C (-44F to 10F) for common flammable refrigerants
Vapor DensityHeavier than air (most flammable refrigerants 1.5-2.0 relative to air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3358

Extinguishing Media

Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for cooling; avoid direct water on refrigerant leak

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum if refrigerant leak suspected; SCBA required in enclosed spaces; thermal protection if fire involved

Use SCBA for leaks or fire. Wear thermal and cold-protection gloves if liquefied refrigerant contact is possible.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, evacuate 800m radius
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 115).

First Actions for a UN 3358 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.
  • Many gases are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
  • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
Advertisement

📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 3358 — Refrigerating machines, containing flamm
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3358 Product: Refrigerating machines, containing flammable, non-poisonous, liquefied gas Class 2 / Flammable Gas / ERG 115 PPE: Level B minimum if refrigerant leak suspected; SCBA required in enclosed spaces; thermal protection if fire involved ISOLATION: ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, evacuate 800m radius ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 3358 — Refrigerating machines, containing flammable, non-poisonous, liquefied gas Class: 2 | Placard: Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 115 Appearance: Complete refrigeration units or machines containing flammable, non-toxic liquefied gases such as hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane) or ammonia refrigerants. Typically metal enclosures with compressor, condenser, and evaporator components. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for cooling; avoid direct water on refrigerant leak PPE: Level B minimum if refrigerant leak suspected; SCBA required in enclosed spaces; thermal protection if fire involved Isolation: ERG 115: isolate 100m all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, evacuate 800m radius — Key Hazards — • EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. • Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Will form explosive mixtures with air. — First Actions — • 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. • Many gases are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/refrigerating-machines-containing-flammable-un-3358 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN3358 Refrigerating machines, containing flammable, non-poisonous, liquefied gas Cls2 ERG115 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/refrigerating-machines-containing-flammable-un-3358SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/refrigerating-machines-containing-flammable-un-3358

Related UN Numbers in Class 2

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3358

UN 3358 is refrigerating machinery containing flammable, non-poisonous liquefied gas.

Yes. A refrigerant leak may form an ignitable vapor cloud.

Liquefied gas can cause frostbite on skin or eye contact.

Water spray may be used to cool exposed equipment, but avoid directing water into a refrigerant leak.

SCBA is needed for leaks or fire; cold-resistant gloves may be needed for liquefied gas exposure.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.