Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 5-9-26

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 – 458 (418 highway, 36 air, 4 rail, 0 water) 

• Serious incidents – 3 (1 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 30 no release)  

• Largest container involved – 34,500-gal DOT 113C120W9 Railcar {Ethylene, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)} Venting through pressure relief valve as intended. 

• Largest amount spilled – 1,000-gal Tank truck {Hydrochloric Acid} Over pressure during offloading.  

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 2246.0-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Bromotrifluoromethane: A colorless, odorless gas at room conditions Shipped as a liquid confined under its own vapor pressure. Noncombustible. Nontoxic but can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite by evaporative cooling. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).