Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 3-30-24

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 – 452 (431 highway, 14 air, 6 rail, water 1)

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

• Largest container involved – 24,500-gal DOT 111A100W1 railcar (Butanols) Packing retainer nut on the liquid valve handle was leaking. 0.125-gal leaked.

• Largest amount spilled – 750-lbs (Lithium Ion Batteries Including Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries) Improper blocking/bracing of load, plastic box crushed.

Most Interesting Chemical: Chromium trioxide, anhydrous. Used in the electroplating industry. Strong oxidizer, corrosive, and poisonous. Containers may explode in fires (decomposition temperature 197 C, off-gasses oxygen).