In the wake of a recent chemical tank incident that resulted in a hazardous spill, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a cautionary advisory to all carriers and drivers involved in the transportation of hazardous materials.

The incident, which occurred on [Date] in [Location], has raised concerns about the safety protocols and procedures in place for the transportation of dangerous chemicals. The FMCSA's advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of following strict guidelines and regulations when handling and transporting hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The advisory outlines specific recommendations for carriers and drivers to ensure the safe and secure transport of chemical tanks, including proper loading and unloading procedures, regular maintenance checks, and emergency response protocols. By heeding the FMCSA's cautionary advisory, carriers and drivers can help mitigate the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and protect both themselves and the general public from potential harm.

This article will further explore the details of the FMCSA's advisory and provide insights into how carriers and drivers can enhance their safety practices when handling chemical tanks.

Owners of specific Types of Hazardous Chemical Tanks to conduct Voluntary Tests

Federal regulators strongly urge owners of specific types of hazardous chemical tanks to conduct voluntary tests following recent test results that indicate the potential for catastrophic failure.

In a joint advisory released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, concerns have been raised regarding the stability of "nurse tanks" commonly used for transporting anhydrous ammonia. These concerns were heightened following an incident in August 2023 at a farm co-op lot, where a nurse tank manufactured by American Welding and Tank (AWT) experienced a failure, causing the tank shell to travel over 300 feet from its original location.

While there were no reported injuries resulting from this incident, it serves as a warning sign for potential issues with AWT nurse tanks that have been in use for more than a decade. Owners are strongly encouraged to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and integrity of their hazardous chemical tanks by conducting voluntary tests as recommended by federal regulators.

AWT was unable to provide immediate comment on the matter

Following the incident, the tank owner engaged a third-party testing company to conduct assessments on their remaining nurse tanks. The results revealed that seven out of eight nurse tanks manufactured between 2008 and 2012 exhibited severe stress corrosion cracking.

The parent company of the farm co-op also conducted tests on 142 AWT nurse tanks produced between 2007 and 2012, with 100 of them failing the assessment. However, all nurse tanks manufactured in 2012 passed the tests, as reported by FMCSA and PHMSA.

It is worth noting that current hazardous materials regulations do not mandate periodic inspection and testing for nurse tanks with ASME identification plates that meet specified requirements. The agencies emphasized that the obligation for periodic inspection and testing only applies when the ASME plate is absent or illegible.

Nevertheless, FMCSA and PHMSA strongly advise owners of AWT nurse tanks made between 2007 and 2011, which are exempt from mandatory inspection and testing, to voluntarily conduct visual inspection, thickness testing, and pressure testing in compliance with federal regulations.

For owners of affected nurse tanks unable to perform voluntary pressure testing, FMCSA and PHMSA recommend utilizing radiographic or ultrasonic testing as an alternative. The inspection and testing frequency is left to the discretion of the owner, but it is recommended to conduct these assessments at least once every five years, in line with regulations.

The advisory also noted that AWT nurse tanks manufactured from 2009 to 2010 were previously investigated by FMCSA for improper manufacturing procedures and enforcement actions were taken.

The findings of a 2013 FMCSA investigation into the safety of nurse tanks revealed that a significant portion of the approximately 200,000 units in operation across the United States are between 30 and 50 years old. The study identified multiple incidents of equipment failure resulting in substantial property damage, severe injuries, and fatalities.

In Conclusion

The cautionary advisory issued by the FMCSA in response to the recent chemical tank incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations and protocols within the transportation industry.

Control efforts and safety rating should be monitored by the Federal Government as it will surely impact every commercial motor vehicle company owners in the future.

Moreover, incidents like this will have an economic impact too so a comprehensive technology review  by the primary agency is a must.

The safety of drivers, the public, and the environment must always remain paramount in all operations. Secondary controls should be implemented in every transportation in commerce.

It is imperative for all stakeholders to continuously assess and enhance their safety measures and emergency response plans to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

By promoting a culture of safety and compliance, we can collectively work towards minimizing risks and ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved in the transportation of hazardous materials.

If you want to stay updated with a wide range of trends, actionable insights, and innovative solutions in the trucking, freight, and logistics industry, stay connected to us.

Moreover, If you are looking for more information about drug and alcohol testing as a truck driver, visit LabWorks USA.

Our DOT Consortium's friendly team will be more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have and work with you to ensure you are always fully compliant, especially with random DOT drug and alcohol testing. Moreover, if you need help with FMCSA Clearinghouse registration, we can further support you.