NTSB (U. S. National Transportation Safety Board): reroute hazardous items

Journal Article · Wed Jul 19 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Chem. Week; (United States)

OSTI ID:7121924

NTSB recommended in July 1978 that railroads route hazardous materials away from the most densely populated areas. The proposal, contained in a report to the U.S. Department of Transportation, was based on testimony during three days of hearings on derailments involving hazardous materials. According to R. E. Briggs (Assoc. Am. Railroads), rerouting would be very costly to shippers, who will probably use more trucks ''because rail routes will be too roundabout''. The railroads contend that this will cause more accidents, since trucks have proportionately more hazardous materials accidents. The NTSB report noted that rerouting could also help channel money for upgrading tracks that carry most of the dangerous cargo. The NTSB also recommended a revised schedule for retrofitting tank cars with head shields and shelf couplers, that would take effect by 12/31/78; improvements in the emergency notification system; emergency response capabilities on the train; state involvement in inspection programs; a post-accident analysis program; thermal protection of jumbo tank cars; and more research on operational factors that increase track deterioration.

• OSTI ID: 7121924
• Journal Information: Chem. Week; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Week; (United States) Vol. 123:3; ISSN CHWKA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290700 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Transport & Storage
ACCIDENTS
COST
DOCUMENT TYPES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HEARINGS
LAND TRANSPORT
MATERIALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
RAIL TRANSPORT
RAILROAD CARS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RETROFITTING
ROUTING
SAFETY
TRAINS
TRANSPORT
US DOT
US ORGANIZATIONS
VEHICLES