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 – 623 (538 highway, 76 air, 8 rail, water 1)

• Serious incidents – 5 (4 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death,0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 29 no release) Note: The fire was not reported as a ‘Serious’ incident.

• Largest container involved – 33,693-gal 112J340W railcar {Propane} Minor release (odor report), valve open and plug less that tool tight and needed new Teflon tape.

• Largest amount spilled – 200-gal Metal IBC, 275-gal{Corrosive Liquid, Acidic, Inorganic, N.O.S} Fork lift puncture on unloading dock.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Nitroglycerin Solution in Alcohol With Not More Than 1 Percent Nitroglycerin – Primary hazard is the flammability of the ethyl alcohol, but if the alcohol is allowed to evaporate, the explosive hazard of the nitroglycerin becomes a potential source of ignition. Standard firefighting warning for ethyl alcohol, it burns with an ‘invisible’ flame, so fire detection can be a problem. Also, ethyl alcohol dissolved in water can burn, causing water runoff problems.