The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently issued a warning regarding the safe transportation of combustible liquids, flammable liquids or hazardous chemicals in tank trucks. This warning, which was released in response to a number of recent incidents involving chemical tank truck accidents, highlights the flow rate transfer standard, importance of volume standard or the volume concentration, strict international standards and adherence to safety protocols when transporting these potentially dangerous materials.

As the primary regulatory agency for commercial motor vehicles in the United States, the FMCSA's warning serves as a wake-up call for both carriers and shippers to prioritize the safety factor of their operations and the protection of our communities.

In this article, we will explore the details of FMCSA's warning, including the specific safety concerns addressed, the potential consequences of non-compliance, and the steps that carriers and shippers can take to ensure the safe transportation of chemical tanks.

By understanding the implications of this warning and taking the necessary precautions, we can work towards preventing future accidents and ensuring the well-being of both our drivers and the general public.

Carry Out Voluntary Testing

Federal regulators are strongly advising owners of specific hazardous chemical tanks to carry out voluntary testing in light of recent findings that suggest a risk of catastrophic failure.

The advisory, issued jointly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, highlights concerns regarding the stability of nurse tanks primarily used for transporting anhydrous ammonia across public roadways and farm fields.

These concerns arose following an incident in August 2023 at a farm co-op lot.

The incident involved a nurse tank manufactured by American Welding and Tank (AWT), whereby the tank shell was propelled over 300 feet from its original location. Although there were no reported injuries, this occurrence serves as an indication of potential ongoing issues with AWT nurse tanks that have been in service for more than ten years.

AWT was unable to provide immediate comment on the matter at hand.

Following the incident, the tank owner engaged the services of a third-party testing company, which revealed that out of the eight other nurse tanks owned by the company and manufactured between 2008 and 2012, seven exhibited severe stress corrosion cracking.

In addition, the parent company of the farm co-op conducted tests on 142 AWT nurse tanks produced from 2007 to 2012, and a staggering 100 of them failed the examination. However, all nurse tanks manufactured in 2012 passed the tests, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

It is important to note, as highlighted in the advisory, that current regulations pertaining to hazardous materials or radioactive materials in commerce do not mandate regular inspection and testing of nurse tanks that possess American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) identification plates and meet other specified criteria. The agencies explicitly stated that regulatory requirements for periodic inspection and testing solely come into effect if the ASME plate is absent or illegible.

Inspections Should Be Conducted

Despite this, the FMCSA and PHMSA strongly advise owners of AWT nurse tanks produced between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011, which are exempt from regular inspection, experience requirements or testing requirements, to voluntarily perform visual, thickness, and pressure inspections. These inspections should be conducted in accordance with federal regulations.

If owners of affected AWT nurse tanks are unable to carry out voluntary pressure testing, the FMCSA and PHMSA recommend either radiographic or ultrasonic testing. Although the timing of these voluntary inspections and tests is at the discretion of the nurse tank owner, it is recommended to perform them at least once every five years, as per regulations.

According to a safety advisory, nurse tanks manufactured by AWT between 2009 and 2010 were previously investigated and subjected to enforcement actions by the FMCSA due to improper manufacturing procedures.

A 2013 study conducted by the FMCSA on nurse tank safety revealed that a significant portion of the approximately 200,000 nurse tanks being used in the United States are between 30 to 50 years old. The study also highlighted that several failures have resulted in extensive property damage, severe injuries, and even fatalities.

In Conclusion

the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's recent warning on chemical tank safety sheds light on the importance of following proper procedures when transporting hazardous materials. As carriers and shippers, it is crucial that we stay informed and compliant with these regulations to ensure the safety of our drivers, the public, and the environment.

By understanding and implementing hazardous materials regulations and the guidelines set forth by the FMCSA, we can help prevent accidents and protect our communities. Let us continue to prioritize safe and responsible materials of trade, hazardous material shipping and transportation practices for the well-being of all.

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.