Search

Derailed Train Spills Hazmat Near D.C.

Posted on 5/4/2016 by Roger Marks

A tanker carrying more than 15,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide derailed along with several other cars near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station in Washington D.C. over the weekend. About half of the sodium hydroxide is thought to have been released onto the rail bed and the ground.

No injuries were reported, and crews are working to contain and clean up the spilled chemicals. 
Sodium hydroxide is a Class 8 (corrosive) hazardous material shipped under UN number 1823. The chemical can cause burning and irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes in humans and, if inhaled, can irritate the respiratory system as well.

Hazmat spill incident response

Who Responds to a Hazmat Spill?

Sodium hydroxide is one of many hazardous materials covered under US DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) at 49 CFR Parts 100–181. Hazardous materials listed in the hazmat table in the 49 CFR regulations are one of many kinds of hazardous substances covered under OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard.

HAZWOPER, short for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, is an OSHA safety standard designed to protect personnel who respond to releases of hazardous substances (including DOT regulated hazmat), clean up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, and work at Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs).

To help fire, EMS, and other first responders act quickly and effectively in a hazmat spill situation, US DOT PHMSA publishes the Emergency Response Guidebook, or ERG, to provide critical information at the site of a transportation incident. Recently, PHMSA released a new, 2016 ERG in English and Spanish.

Hazmat Workshops for Ground, Air, and Vessel Shippers

Be confident you know the US and international regulations to keep your hazmat shipments moving safely and on time. At the Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Workshops, you’ll get up to speed with new and changing 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG Code rules for ground air, and vessel shipments.
Don’t let a new rule you don’t know slow down your supply chain. Sign up now for expert training and get a full year of Lion Membership for fast answers to your questions, rule updates and exclusive content, easy-to-use regulations updated throughout the year, discounts on select Lion products, and more.   

Tags: 49, CFR, hazmat shipping, HAZWOPER

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.