Implementing correct chemical transportation guidelines and standards can prevent a potentially volatile situation.
Hazardous chemicals play a part in everyday life. They support virtually every aspect of our lives — to grow food, protect the safety of our water, make life-saving medicines and equipment and produce energy, among countless other uses. And these chemicals, and the facilities where they are manufactured, stored, distributed and used, are essential to today’s economy. It is a top priority that chemicals are handled and transported safely.
Recent tragedies have reminded us, however, that doing this is not without risk. The 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio — heavily covered in the media — has understandably raised many questions and concerns. A Norfolk Southern freight train was carrying hazardous materials when 38 cars derailed. Several railcars burned for more than two days; hydrogen chloride and phosgene were released into the air.
Safety must be a top priority for the U.S. chemicals manufacturing industry. Storing chemicals is never easy and transporting them can be one of the riskiest procedures carried out, because at no other time is accidental release and exposure more likely.
Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Chemicals
Examples of hazardous materials in the chemical industry include flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, ethanol), corrosive substances (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), toxic gases (e.g., chlorine, ammonia) and radioactive materials (e.g., uranium, plutonium). The difference between hazardous chemicals and non-hazardous chemicals is generally based on the harm the chemicals can cause if humans, animals or the environment are exposed to them. Chemicals that contain carcinogens and toxins and/or are unstable, caustic, water-reactive, flammable or explosive are considered hazardous. Any chemical that does not cause harm to one’s health is referred to as non-hazardous.
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) of the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), has definitions of physical and health hazards as:
• Physical hazard. There is scientifically valid evidence that the chemical is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
• Health hazard. There is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur in people exposed to the chemical. This includes many chemical types, including carcinogens, irritants, corrosives and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes. There are nine different classes of hazardous materials that are further broken down into divisions based on the type of hazard present.
• Chemicals in Transit. Chemical transportation modes include road and railway, each offering unique advantages like flexibility and cost-effectiveness, but also posing specific risks and limitations. These modes move chemicals while adhering to strict regulations and standards. Federal and state laws carefully control the safe and secure transport of chemicals across all modes of transportation, including highway, rail, aviation, maritime and pipeline to reduce the risk of spills or accidents.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) to control how potentially dangerous chemicals are moved across the United States. The HMTA includes detailed provisions for procedures, labeling, packaging requirements, employee training and operational rules involved in chemical transport. Violations of the HTMA are federal offenses and can carry serious criminal penalties including jail time and fines up to $75,000.
When shipping chemicals, whether through standard or expedited freight services, there are many factors to be considered. Individuals transporting chemicals must be familiar with the material’s hazards and know what to do in the event of a release or spill. At the forefront of chemical transport is having all parties clearly understanding the chemical being shipped.
All transportation partners should be aware of the chemical’s characteristics. Accurate shipping documentation can help do this. A bill of lading (BOL) is a key document that outlines the type, quantity and handling instructions for the chemicals being transported, along with how they are being shipped and the path it will take. A BOL includes all necessary documentation, labels, emergency contact information, hazard communication information and safety data sheets (SDS). A SDS is a good source of information; it allows better understanding of additional product specifics.
Chemical Product Specifics and Characteristics
• Temperature. Chemicals are highly temperature-sensitive, so transport companies must plan for this. Some chemicals may require refrigeration, for example. Other chemicals must not fall below a certain temperature. Also, be sure to consider how the weather may factor in.
• Density. The weight per gallon will help us determine the number of trucks required to handle a shipment pH and viscosity. A chemical’s pH level can dictate what types of tanks or trailers it can be safely transported in (e.g., low pH items will require rubber-lined tanks which are harder to come by than stainless steel and aluminum). A chemical’s viscosity dictates whether the product can be pumped or if an air compressor can be used.
• Packaging. One of the primary safety considerations in chemical transportation is correct packaging. When choosing the right type of packaging, consider all the properties and hazards of each substance. Packaging must prevent leaks, spills and potential reactions between different substances. It also ensures that the material remains intact during transit. Also, accurate and visible labeling is crucial for identifying the hazardous material and alerting personnel and emergency responders to potential risks. Labels must include hazard warnings, identification numbers and other essential information. Will the shipping company require special protection while transporting the chemicals? Determine whether the chemicals require hazmat or non-hazmat shipping. When choosing the right liquid bulk tanks, make sure the containers are classified based on their contents. For example, some chemicals might not work well with plastic; they may need stainless steel or carbon steel. Were there incompatible chemicals in the tank or trailer prior to a new shipment? Incompatible chemicals must be kept separated during transport. Secure the packaging for chemical transport. When in movement, packaged chemicals should not be able to come loose or even minimally jostle. Should this occur, damage to the shipping container and/or the substance inside is possible.
• Acids and bases. Segregate mixed classes of substances, like acids and bases, during the transport process. This will eliminate issues or even a potential catastrophe if an accident occurs and the containers are damaged and chemicals react with each other.
• Destination and origin. When shipping chemicals, the location of origin and destination likely have specific regulations that must be followed. A shipping company should know standards compliance.
• Time frame. Just as some chemicals are temperature-sensitive, others are time-sensitive. Communicate this accurately and take advantage of expedited shipping to ensure safe transportation. Be aware of supply chain interruptions. Should severe weather impact hazmat trucking, it can cause delays in arrival or even cause time-sensitive chemicals to be disposed of. Some interruptions cannot be avoided, but those that can be predicted (like severe weather) should be part of the chemical transportation strategy.
• Quantity. Whether an entire shipment is hazardous or if just one barrel will impact how the shipping company approaches the shipment. The dry and liquid content will also determine shipping storage, so give an accurate measurement.
Accidents Will Happen
Despite stringent safety measures, accidents and spills can still occur during chemical transport. Immediate response protocols and coordination with local authorities are vital to contain and mitigate the impact of such incidents. Companies should regularly review and update their emergency response plans to ensure effectiveness.
A spill kit should be available suitable for cleaning up the materials that are being transported. In general, this would consist of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, eye protection), absorbent materials and plastic bags to contain clean-up debris. If refrigerant is used during the transport, then the operator should have a pair of cryogenic gloves available in the vehicle.
Drivers involved in hazmat transportation must obtain a hazmat endorsement on their commercial driver’s license (CDL). This endorsement demonstrates their understanding of hazmat regulations and safety protocols. Employers should also provide specialized training to drivers to enhance their awareness of potential hazards and the proper handling of hazardous materials.
When shipping chemicals, the regulations in the region where the freight is being sent must be considered. This will ensure complete compliance. Once the necessary information is provided, a shipping company can take care of the rest. One way to ensure safe chemical transport is via chemical logistics management. This encompasses the planning, implementation and control of the flow of chemical products. It requires a wholly integrated approach to transportation, storage, handling and distribution, ensuring that chemicals reach their destination safely and efficiently.
The chemical industry can contribute to continuous improvement in hazmat transportation safety by investing in research and development for safer transport technologies and materials. Through rigorous training, adherence to best practices and the use of advanced technology, chemical freight service providers can maintain high safety standards and operational efficiency. This includes real-time tracking of shipments, risk assessments and continuous improvement processes. Companies can also share best practices, learn from past incidents and collaborate with regulatory bodies to shape effective and up-to-date regulations. Embracing a proactive safety culture and prioritizing environmental sustainability are additional ways the industry can drive advancements in chemical transportation safety.