Fire and explosion are common hazards during the transportation of flammable and combustible substances.

Common causes

• Container failure due to overfilling, overheating or a defect

• Loading and unloading operations

• Traffic accident during transport such as overturning, collision, etc.

• Sparks generated by static electricity

• Pipeline leakages due to earthmoving and excavating equipment, corrosion and natural calamities.

Fire safety measures

The following measures would be helpful to reduce the fire and explosion hazards.

Responsibility of Transporter/Consigner

• Ensure that the goods carriage has a valid registration to carry the hazardous goods and the driver has a valid driving licence, ability to read and write and certificate of 3-day training course on transportation of hazardous goods as prescribed in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

• Instruct the driver and make him aware of the irsks of the goods, precautions and emergency action.

• Display/paint Emergency Information Panel on the tanker containing correct technical name of the chemical, UN Number, HAZCHEM Number and name and telephone number of the emergency services.

• Ensure that material of construction of tank is compatible with the characteristics of the chemical.

• Provide tachograph, first aid, antidotes, fire extinguisher and other necessary safety equipment in the carriage.

• Maintain the vehicle, the carriage tank and its fittings to a high, standard by periodic inspection and testing.

• Ensure that relief devices are periodically tested at regular (at least annually) intervals.

• Ensure that exhaust pipe is fitted with spark arrestor.

• Use flameproof generators, motors and switches if they are not installed within the engine compartment.

Loading and Unloading

• Follow approved procedures.

• Purge the container and ensure that no traces of previously transported chemical are present before filling it with new chemical

• Ensure bonding to protect against static electricity hazards.

• Ensure that loading and unloading facilities are provided with drainage system or other means to contain spills.

• Control sources of ignition such as vehicular traffic, welding, grinding, etc.

• Put off motors of ancillary portable pumps during making and breaking hose connections while transferring CLASS 1 liquids.

• Stop the engine and isolate battery from the electrical circuit prior to loading or unloading. Don't restart the engine or connect the battery to electrical circuit until tanks and valves have been securely closed.

• Don't overfill the tanker.

• Ensure that nobody is present in the cabin of the carriage during loading and unloading.

• keep adequate fire extinguishing equipment ready for immediate use.

• Use separate and distinct pipelines and pumps for different chemicals.

• Don't lower into or suspend metal or conductive objects such as gauge tapes, sample containers or thermometers in a compartment while it is being filled or immediately after cessation of pumping to permit the relaxation of charge.

• Don't raise the dip rod completely above the liquid level during or within one minute of the completion of loading.

• Reduce flow rate or use splash deflectors or other such devices to prevent splashing and to minimize turbulence when bottom loading is used.

• Inspect pressure hoses and coupling and test them at maximum operating pressure at regular intervals.   Ensure that they are free from leakage and electrically continuous.

• Load the filled barrels, drums and other containers in upright position.

Tips for drivers

• Follow traffic rules and regulations religiously

• Don't smoke in the vicinity of the vehicle carrying hazardous goods.

• Don't carry passengers, fire and lights on the goods carriage

• Never carry combustible and inflammable goods other than what the carriage is registered/meant for.

• Park vehicle for stopover at a safe place away from ignition sources and where the public do not have access.

• Supervise the vehicle at all times in the course of stopover.

• Always carry TREMCARD in respect to chemical being transported.

• Don't attach a trailer other than a tank trailer to any tank truck containing flammable liquids.

In case of emergency:

• Don't panic. Be calm. Don't abandon the vehicle and run away.

• Move the vehicle to a less vulnerable location.

• Report to the nearest police station and consigner/transporter.

• Inform the nearest fire station/brigade.

• Cordon off the affected area.

• Prevent the spills flowing to drainage system.

• Refer to the TREMCARD for the hazards and the control measures.

• Warn the public of hazards and do not allow them to approach the affected tanker.

Transport by pipelines

• Ensure that pipelines are buried about 1 m below ground.

• Install sufficient marker posts to trace the path.

• Use cathodic protection to minimize corrosion.

• Ensure regular patrolling of the pipeline.

• Isolate and drain the section of the pipeline and purge it with an inert gas or steam before starting repair or maintenance.

• Practise work permit system for repair and maintenance work.

• Don't re-use the section of the pipleine which had undergone repair/maintenance in which repairs or maintenance work has been carried out until it passes the hydraulic test.

Safe handling of Hazardous Chemicals

Identification & Labelling

• Label the containers clearly with contents, name & address of manufacturer/importer, physical and health hazards & recommended personal protective equipment.

• Know how to use the information provided on the labels

• Do not handle any unlabelled container. Check with your supervisor.

Storage

• Store chemicals in a cool, dry and well ventilated place away from heat and ignition sources. Avoid storage in open sun.

• Store reactive chemicals separately.

• Do not refill empty containers with any chemical other than the one originally contained Use containers on First In, First Out basis.

• Keep flammable chemicals in closed containers.

• Store poisonous substances, such as cyanides, in locked cabinets away from acids.

Handling

• Ensure electrical bonding and grounding while transferring flammable chemicals from one container to another.

• Follow strictly the approved procedures for loading/unloading.

• Use personal protective equipment as necessary.

• Handle containers with care, using appropriate trolleys.

• Keep cylinders upright with caps and chain them.

• Watch for the posted signs indicating areas requiring particular precautions and adhere to them strictly.

Disposal

• Don't pour acids/alkalis in the drainage without proper neutralization.

• Don't drain out toxic and flammable chemical spillage with water. Collect it by using absorbent material for its safe disposal.

• Docontaminate the used containers not intended for re-use and make up usable by puncturing before disposal.

• Know safe disposal procedures and follow them strictly.

Handling Emergencies

• Know and understand precautions and procedures in case of spillage/leakage, and fire

• Keep safety and emergency kits in working order, and accessible.

• Keep antidotes ready and handy while handling toxic chemicals.

• Get trained in first-aid procedures.

• Drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals should know emergency procedures and carry TERM Cards.

General

• Use non sparking tools and flame proof electrical equipment in the area where flammable chemicals are used/stored.

• Follow established work permit systems

• Periodically vent all drums containing volatile liquids.

• Don't keep any foodstuff or take meals in the area where hazardous chemicals are stored/handled. Wash hands before eating.

• Don't use any solvent for cleaning hands. Use soap.

• Maintain high housekeeping standards and avoid spillages.

• Clean the floor immediately in case of any spillage.

• Change contaminated clothes immediately.

• Never take chemicals away from the job for personal use.