Earlier this year I wrote about the risks in using “truck drivers” as your HAZMAT Attendant, as well as using the carrier’s hose for your loading/unloading activities. I have also posted several “Safety advisiories” from state and federal agencies regarding the mis-use of transfer hoses. Many of you appreciated my bluntness and brining the concerns to your attention and there were a few that were offended by my position, imply that “I do not trust the carriers”. Well for those interested, and those that asked for evidence that a carrier had anything to do with a loading/unloading accident, here is my proof and support for my position. I will state again, a driver SHOULD NOT be allowed to load/unload HAZMAT on our sites without strict supervision. We should use our hoses, so that we KNOW the history of the hose, and we know they have been inspected/tested. As noted in this fatal accident, transferring Hazardous Materials via a hose is one of the most hazardous tasks that can take place at many facilities. This incident involved an LPG hose being used to unload anhydrous ammonia; a hose that the carrier had modified incorrectly and failed to test/inspect properly. In fact the modifications the carrier made to their hose made the hose UNSUITABLE for either LPG or NH3! My hope is that after reading this article each facility will take the time to review there procedures and systems for unloading ALL their HAZMATs and take necessary actions to ensure the risks are managed appropriately. Also, the analysis of the hose failure is facinating! Many have asked what the difference is between an LPG hose and a NH3 hose – this report does an excellent job explain the difference and how this lead to the catastrophic failure of the hose. Here is a break down of the NTSB report regarding the LPG HOSE FAILURE during the transfer of NH3…
Cargo Hose Rupture and Release of Anhydrous Ammonia During Offloading of a Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle at a Plant (7/15/09)
