Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 5-18-24

Reporting Background

See this post for explanation, with the most recent 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 – 579 (449 highway, 56 air, 7 rail, water 1)

• Serious incidents – 3 (3 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death,0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion).

• Largest container involved – 30,130-gal DOT 111A100W1 railcar {Flammable Liquids, N.O.S.} Improperly placed manway seal and vapor release from vacuum relief valve. (Note: The database listed a 269,713-gal railcar of Denatured Alcohol, but that is an obvious typo).

• Largest amount spilled – 1,000-gal Plastic drums (Bisulfites, Aqueous Solutions, N.O.S.) Load not properly blocked or braced, drums were crushed.

NOTE: Links above are to the Form 5800.1 for the described incidents.

Most Interesting Chemical: Isophorone Diisocyanate - A clear to light-yellow liquid. Slightly denser than water and insoluble in water. Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Very irritating to skin. Used to make polyurethane coatings. Reacts violently with water.