Citation

Hess G. Chem. Eng. News 2006; 84(47): 60-65.

Affiliation

C and EN Washington

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Chemical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Shippers and rail carriers are disagree on methods that ensure safe transport of toxic chemicals. Chemical shippers and federal regulators agree that safer tank cars are needed, but they say a new design standard should be based on research being conducted by a DEpartment of Transportation (DOT) laboratory. According to the railroad association, highly hazardous materials (hazmat) constitute only 0.3% of all rail carloads but account for half of the railroads' total insurance cost. Railroads should be permitted to decide for themselves at what price they are willing to accept, such materials for transportation. Chemical industry officials believe the existing system appropriately places legal liability on the party which is responsible for an incident. Any review of hazmat transportation safety requires a holistic approach that examines the full range of factors involved, including car design, track maintenance, rail operations, and safety management practices.

Language: en