Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of Week of 2-1-25

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 – 462 (410 highway, 48 air, 4 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 8 (8 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 2 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 23 no release)

• Largest container involved – 29,951-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Toluene} Threaded valve bolts not properly tightened.

• Largest amount spilled – 440-gal 1N2 Metal Drums {Paint Including Paint, Lacquer, Enamel, Stain, Shellac Solutions, Varnish, Polish, Liquid Filler And Liquid Lacquer Base.} Load not blocked or braced, drums damaged in transit.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Sodium Chlorate – An odorless pale yellow to white crystalline solid. It is appreciably soluble in water and heavier, so may be expected to sink and dissolve at a rapid rate. Although it is not itself flammable, the solid product and even 30% solutions in water are powerful oxidizing agents. Contact with wood, organic matter, ammonium salts, sulfur, sulfuric acid, various metals, and other chemicals may result in fires or explosions, particularly if any solid materials are finely divided. Excessive heat, as in fires, may cause evolution of oxygen gas that may increase the intensity of fires and may also result in explosions. Mixtures with combustible materials are very flammable and may be ignited by friction. It is used for making herbicides, explosives, dyes, matches, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, defoliants, paper, and leather. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).

 

INSERT UN 1495 Placard