Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 8-1-26

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 – 597 (557 highway, 33 air, 7 rail, 0 water) 
• Serious incidents – 2 (1 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 28 no release)  
• Largest container involved – 29,989-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Petroleum Distillates, N.O.S. or Petroleum Products, N.O.S.} deteriorated bottom outlet cap gasket and a BOV closure cap being less than tool-tight. 
• Largest amount spilled – 308-gal Railcar (CIMX 2134) {Environmentally Hazardous Substances, Liquid, N.O.S.} [UI] lose bolts tightened on 3 separate occasions. 
• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1987.5-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Formaldehyde, Solutions (Formalin) (Corrosive): A colorless liquid with a pungent irritating odor. Contains 37-50% formaldehyde by mass and varying amounts of methanol, added to prevent precipitation of formaldehyde polymers (formaldehyde exists in solution as CH2(OH)2 and its polymers HO(CH2O)xH where x averages about three). Formalin free of methanol is also shipped but must be kept warm (about 30°C (86°F)) to prevent polymerization. Pure formaldehyde, a gas, is not handled commercially because it tends to polymerize exothermally and may ignite. Vapor from formalin solution is flammable and an explosion hazard when exposed to flame or heat. Skin and eye irritant. Confirmed carcinogen. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).