Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 5-25-24

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 – 523 (437 highway, 82 air, 4 rail, water 0)

• Serious incidents – 2 (2 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death,0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion).

• Largest container involved – 30,290-gal DOT 117R100W railcar {Diesel Fuel} UTLX 208792 had a slow drip of diesel from the bottom outlet valve cap, BOV not completely closed.

• Largest amount spilled – 275-gal Plastic IBC (Flammable Liquids, N.O.S.) 1 of 4 totes was ruptured due to load shift and had leaked to empty.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Toluidines Liquid – One or more of three isomers. Colorless to light yellow liquids. Slightly denser than water. Slightly soluble in water. Aromatic odors. Toxic by inhalation of vapors or dusts and by skin absorption. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced during combustion. Combustible – flashpoint 185°F. Used as chemical intermediate for manufacturing textile dyes, rubber chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.