Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 10-12-24

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 – 537 (495 highway, 36 air, 6 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 2 (2 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 3 fire/explosion, 38 no release)

• Largest container involved – 29,120-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Combustible Liquid, N.O.S.} Loose manway bolts.

• Largest amount spilled – 440-gal Tank Truck {Diesel Fuel} Tank Truck damaged in roll-over truck accident. NOTE: Form says 440 gallons spilled but incident description says 1,500 gallons spilled.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Cresylic acid (aka: mixed isomers of cresol) Colorless to yellow liquids with a tarry odor. Flash point 178°F. Insoluble in water. Density 8.7 lb / gal. Poisonous by ingestion and skin absorption and corrosive to skin. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov). Separate UN number for solid material.