Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 4-6-24

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 – 457 (430 highway, 24 air, 3 rail, water 1)

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

• Largest container involved – 25,000-gal DOT 117R100W railcar (Hydrocarbons, Liquid, N.O.S.) Loose manway bolts leaking. 5-gal leaked.

• Largest amount spilled – 400-lbs (Flammable Solids, Organic, N.O.S.) Improper blocking/bracing of load, plastic bags crushed.

Most Interesting Chemical: Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) - A toxic, clear colorless volatile liquid having an ether-like odor. Noncombustible. Insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Boiling point 250°F. Still used in dry cleaning and metal cleaning operations. The EPA is in the rulemaking process to greatly reduce PCE uses, but it expects a 10-year phase out for dry cleaning.