Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 2-14-26

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 – 420 (388 highway, 28 air, 4 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 1 (1 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 39 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,220-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed with Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol} The liquid and vapor valves were left open and caps were not adequately taped.

• Largest amount spilled – 147-gal Tank Truck {Diesel Fuel} Operator error during unloading at fuel station.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1214.5-gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: 1,1-Difluoroethane: 1,1-Difluoroethane is colorless, odorless gas shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air and a flame can travel back to the source of leak very easily. This leak can be either a liquid or vapor leak. It can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).

 

INSERT UN 2468 Placard