Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 6-8-24

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 – 619 (520 highway, 92 air, 7 rail, water 0)

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death,0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion)

• Largest container involved – 500,000-gal Storage Tank {Hydrosilicofluoric Acid} Storage tank overflowed during truck unloading operation, high level alarm failed.

• Largest amount spilled – 20,000-lbs DOT 117R100W railcar{Alcohols, N.O.S.}  Switching yard accident caused catastrophic failure of tank car.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Hydrofluorosilicic Acid– A colorless to straw yellow liquid with a slightly acrid odor. Corrosive. Reacts with a wide variety of materials, may release fluorine gas. When heated to boiling decomposes to produce fluorine gas. Used as fluorinating agent in public water systems.