UN 2036 — Xenon, compressed
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 120. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2036 is Xenon, compressed, a non-flammable compressed inert gas assigned to ERG Guide 120. Pressure, oxygen displacement and frostbite are the main hazards.
Hazard overview: NON-FLAMMABLE compressed inert gas; pressure and asphyxiation hazards are primary. Gas is heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas, displacing oxygen. Contact with liquefied or rapidly expanding gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
Response guidance: For a UN 2036 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 120. 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 2036 should emphasize pressure/fire hazards, exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, evacuation, decontamination and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 120, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Xenon, compressed 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: Xenon, compressed containers should be secured in a cool, ventilated gas storage area away from heat, flames where applicable, physical damage and incompatible materials. Follow SDS and local code for pressure, ventilation and segregation.
UN 2036 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2036
- NON-FLAMMABLE compressed inert gas; pressure and asphyxiation hazards are primary.
- Gas is heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas, displacing oxygen.
- Contact with liquefied or rapidly expanding gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Gas is colorless and odorless, so oxygen deficiency may not be noticed.
- Ventilation and oxygen monitoring are critical in enclosed areas.
- Fire exposure can cause cylinder pressure rise even though the gas is not flammable.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, odorless gas at room temperature. When compressed or liquefied, appears as a colorless cryogenic liquid. Heavier than air.
| Also known as | Xenon gasXeRefrigerated liquid xenonCompressed xenon |
| CAS Number | 7440-63-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless gas at room temperature. When compressed or liquefied, appears as a colorless cryogenic liquid. Heavier than air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inert gas) |
| Boiling Point | -108C (-162F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water; inert gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2036
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and oxygen monitoring in confined or oxygen-deficient areas. Wear eye/face protection and insulated gloves if liquefied or rapidly expanding gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2036 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 vapors, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid low or confined areas until oxygen levels and gas readings are checked.
- 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 spread, dust spread, cylinder heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 120, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2036 — Xenon, compressedUse 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.