Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 9-28-24

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 – 588 (561 highway, 21 air, 6 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 6 (4 Bulk release, 2 evacuation, 2 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 3 fire/explosion, 24 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,520-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Six manway bolts loose.

• Largest amount spilled – 412.6-gal Plastic drums {Sodium Bisulfite, Solution} Drum punctured by exposed nail in pallet. (Note: with just one drum affected, the reported amount “3301” lbs should have been something on the order of 300)

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

Most Interesting Chemical: N-Aminoethylpiperazine – A colorless liquid with a faint fishlike odor. Flash point 199°F. Corrosive to tissue. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced by combustion. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov). It is used as an epoxy curing agent, and is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and synthetic fibers.