Transporting hazardous materials via highway is an essential part of modern society. These materials play a crucial role in everyday life, but their transportation can pose significant risks to public safety and the environment. Accidents involving hazardous materials can cause explosions, fires and chemical spills, leading to serious injuries, fatalities and environmental damage. In this article, we will discuss the importance of understanding the hazards of transporting dangerous materials via highway, the regulatory framework that governs the transportation of hazardous materials and best practices for responding to emergencies.
Regulatory framework
The transportation of hazardous materials is regulated by various national and international organizations, including the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and the United Nations. The DOT’s Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations set out the rules for the safe transportation of hazardous materials via highway and other modes of transportation. The regulations cover a wide range of topics, including packaging and labelling requirements, training and certification for drivers, and emergency response planning.
The United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods provide guidance on the safe transport of hazardous materials globally. These recommendations include a classification system for hazardous materials, also known as the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
Incident examples
Flammable liquids
- Gasoline is a common flammable liquid that is transported via highway in large quantities. In 2018, a tanker truck carrying gasoline overturned and caught fire on a highway in California, resulting in a massive fire that destroyed several nearby homes and injured multiple people.
- Ethanol is also a flammable liquid that is transported via highway. In 2006, a tanker truck carrying ethanol exploded on a highway in Kentucky, killing the driver and causing extensive damage to the surrounding area.
Response approach: In the event of an accident involving flammable liquids, emergency responders should establish a perimeter to protect the public and themselves from the hazard. They should also use specialized equipment and procedures to prevent ignition sources and to extinguish any fires that may occur. If necessary, emergency responders may need to evacuate nearby residents or businesses to prevent further exposure.
Corrosive materials
- Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive material that can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and eyes. In 2018, a tanker truck carrying sulfuric acid overturned on a highway in Georgia, causing a large spill that resulted in road closures and evacuations of nearby residents.
- Hydrochloric acid is another corrosive material that can cause severe burns. In 2017, a tanker truck carrying hydrochloric acid crashed on a highway in Mississippi, resulting in a large spill and the closure of several nearby roads.
Response approach: Emergency responders should wear protective gear, including gloves and respirators, to prevent exposure to corrosive materials. They should also establish a perimeter to prevent access by unauthorized personnel and to protect nearby residents and businesses. To contain spills, emergency responders may use absorbent materials or specialized equipment to prevent further spread of the material.
Explosives
- Dynamite is a powerful explosive that is used in mining and construction. In 2017, a truck carrying dynamite exploded on a highway in Pennsylvania, resulting in multiple injuries and extensive damage to nearby structures.
- Fireworks are also considered explosives and are transported via highway in large quantities. In 2016, a truck carrying fireworks exploded on a highway in China, resulting in over 100 deaths and injuries.
Response approach: In the event of an accident involving explosives, emergency responders should establish a safe perimeter to prevent access by unauthorized personnel and to protect the public and themselves from potential harm. They should also be prepared to evacuate nearby residents or businesses, as explosions can cause extensive damage and injuries. Emergency responders may also need to use specialized equipment and procedures to handle and dispose of any unexploded devices.
Radioactive materials
- Uranium is a radioactive material that is used in nuclear power plants and weapons. In 2019, a truck carrying uranium hexafluoride overturned on a highway in Kentucky, causing a large spill and resulting in road closures and evacuations of nearby residents.
- Plutonium is another radioactive material that is highly toxic and can cause radiation exposure and contamination. In 2004, a truck carrying plutonium crashed on a highway in Japan, resulting in a large spill and extensive clean-up efforts.
Response approach: In the event of an accident involving radioactive materials, emergency responders should establish a perimeter to prevent access by unauthorized personnel and to protect the public and themselves from potential radiation exposure. They should also wear specialized protective gear to prevent exposure and should be prepared to evacuate nearby residents or businesses. Emergency responders may also need to use specialized equipment and procedures to contain and dispose of any contaminated materials.
Toxic gases
- Chlorine is a toxic gas that is used as a disinfectant and in the production of various chemicals. In 2019, a train carrying chlorine gas derailed in Texas, causing a large spill and resulting in the evacuation of nearby residents.
- Ammonia is another toxic gas that is used in agriculture and industrial applications. In 2018, a truck carrying ammonia overturned on a highway in California, resulting in a large spill and the closure of nearby roads.
Response approach: In the event of an accident involving toxic gases, emergency responders should establish a perimeter to prevent access by unauthorized personnel and to protect the public and themselves from potential exposure. They should also wear specialized protective gear to prevent inhalation of the toxic gases. Emergency responders should be prepared to evacuate nearby residents or businesses to prevent further exposure. They may also need to use specialized equipment and procedures to contain and control the release of the toxic gas.
Lessons learned
Over the years, several lessons have been learned from accidents involving hazardous material transportation via highways. One of the most important lessons is the need for effective communication and coordination among emergency responders, transportation companies and regulatory agencies. Emergency responders need to be aware of the types and quantities of hazardous materials being transported in their jurisdictions and should have access to up-to-date information on the potential risks and hazards associated with these materials.
Another important lesson is the need for emergency responders to receive specialized training in handling hazardous materials. This includes training on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure to hazardous materials, as well as how to use specialized equipment and procedures to safely handle and contain these materials. Emergency responders should also be familiar with the applicable federal and state regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials and should be able to work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.
Tips and tricks
Emergency responders play a crucial role in responding to accidents involving hazardous materials. Here are some tips and tricks for emergency responders:
- Effective emergency response requires proper planning and training. Emergency responders should be trained to handle hazardous materials safely and to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently.
- In the event of an accident involving hazardous materials, it is essential to establish a perimeter to prevent exposure to the hazardous substance. The perimeter should be large enough to ensure public safety but not so large as to impede emergency response efforts.
- Emergency responders should wear appropriate protective gear when responding to accidents involving hazardous materials. This may include chemical-resistant suits, respirators and gloves.
- Emergency responders should work closely with regulatory bodies, such as the DOT and the PHMSA, to ensure that they are following the proper procedures and guidelines for responding to accidents involving hazardous materials.
- Be prepared to evacuate nearby residents and businesses to prevent further exposure.
- Use specialized equipment and procedures, such as spill containment booms and decontamination showers, to contain and control the release of hazardous materials.
- Stay up to date on federal and state regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials and be prepared to work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.
Overall, emergency responders should approach accidents involving hazardous materials with caution and follow established protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of the public and themselves. It is important for emergency responders to receive technician or specialist level training in handling hazardous materials and to have access to equipment and resources to respond to these types of incidents. In addition, it is critical for emergency responders to work closely with other agencies, such as Civil Service Teams and environmental agencies, to ensure a coordinated response to hazardous material incidents. By being prepared and following established protocols, emergency responders can effectively handle accidents involving hazardous materials and minimize the potential for harm to the public and the environment.
About the Author
Casey Jones is a Captain and Special Operations Specialist with the Little Rock Fire Department (AR). He holds advanced degrees in Fire Science, Fire Admin and Business. He is also a Chief Training Officer and Personal Trainer.
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