Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 3-16-24

Reporting Background

See this post for explanation, with an update here (removed from paywall).

Data from PHMSA’s online database of transportation related chemical incidents that have been reported to the agency.

Incidents Summary

• Number of incidents – 470 (460 highway, 9 air, 1 rail)

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 0 injuries, 0 deaths, 3 major arteries closed)

• Largest container involved – 30190-gal DOT DOT117R100W railcar (Alcohols, N.O.S.), improperly tightened bolts on manway cover. 5-gal spilled.

• Largest amount spilled – 440-lbs (Calcium Hypochlorite, Hydrated or Calcium Hypochlorite, Hydrated Mixtures, With Not Less Than 5.5% But Not More Than 16% Water) plastic container damaged in material handling.

Most Interesting Chemical: Tetrahydrofuran: Used as a solvent. A clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 6°F. Vapors are heavier than air. May form explosive peroxides when exposed to air, may be stabilized with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to prevent the formation of peroxides. Involved in four incidents in the covered week.