Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 12-7-24

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 – 456 (424 highway, 28 air, 4 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 1 (1 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 27 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,120-gal DOT117R100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Bottom cap loose.

• Largest amount spilled – 225.0-gal Plastic IBC {Corrosive Liquid, Basic, Organic, N.O.S.} IBC punctured by fork lift blade strike.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous – A colorless fuming liquid boiling at 67°F. Shipped as a liquid confined under its own vapor pressure. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Very short contact with fumes or small quantities of the liquid can cause severe, painful burns. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a catalyst and raw material in chemical manufacture. Reported during an unloading incident this week.  (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).