Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 2-1-26

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 – 454 (405 highway, 46 air, 4 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 1 (0 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 3 fire/explosion, 54 no release)

• Largest container involved – 28,420-gal DOT111A100W1 Railcar {Acetone} Vapor eduction valve partially open, line not capped.

• Largest amount spilled – 115-gal IBC {Flammable Liquids, Corrosive, N.O.S.} Forklift puncture.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1311.9-gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-tasting gas. It is also known as "laughing gas". Continued breathing of the vapors may impair the decision making process. It is noncombustible but it will accelerate the burning of combustible material in a fire. It is soluble in water. Its vapors are heavier than air. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. It is used as an anesthetic, in pressure packaging, and to manufacture other chemicals. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).