Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 8-31-24

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 (503 highway, 17 air, 3 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 3 (2 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 26 no release)

• Largest container involved – 25,962-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Environmentally Hazardous Substances, Liquid, N.O.S.} During switching operations PRD Valve released product.

• Largest amount spilled – 200-gal IBC {Sodium Hydroxide, Solution}  During loading, a protruding piece of wood from a broken pallet punctured the IBC.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Ammonium hydrogendifluoride, solution – Corrosive and Toxic. Ammonium bifluoride solution is the white crystalline solid dissolved in water. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It is used in ceramics. Flammable hydrogen gas may collect in enclosed spaces. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).