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• Traffic Incident Management Bulletin

September 2007

Introduction

The transportation of hazardous substances on the Highways Agency's network is commonplace. These substances include fuels, gases, chemicals, low-level nuclear waste and radioactive items. In some cases the identity and nature of the hazardous substance is clear. In others (particularly mixed loads) it is less so.

These substances can be released through collision, fire or system leakage where the resulting spillage is likely to be highly dangerous. An articulated tanker may contain approximately 30,000 litres of the material. If this were diesel it would be sufficient to run a Traffic Officer vehicle for nearly 200,000 miles. This article examines the type of hazards that may be encountered along with some important hints and tips on dealing with this type of incident.

What is a hazardous load?

There are specific regulations regarding the carriage of dangerous goods on the highway. These regulations classify certain materials as dangerous.

The Health & Safety Executive provide the following definition of dangerous goods:

"Dangerous goods are liquid or solid substances and articles containing them, that have been tested and assessed against internationally agreed criteria and found to be potentially dangerous (hazardous) when carried."

One common understanding of a hazardous load is where a vehicle has an orange hazard warning board(s) affixed to it, please see the following link for a comprehensive guide to hazardous materials.  These show that there is a hazard associated with coming into contact with the load. In addition to the hazard symbols there is also usually a phone number for specialist advice, fire fighting codes and the UN Number for the product - please see the document for more information.

In addition to goods which pose a hazard to human life or wellbeing there are materials which although not dangerous or hazardous as such they do pose a significant risk to the environment. One example of this is milk, it is obviously not a hazardous load but if it were to get into a watercourse it has devastating effects on the ecology. Therefore certain non-hazardous load incidents do also need careful consideration.

Legislation

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations is the main piece of legislation. This places duties on all involved with the transportation of dangerous goods. It stipulates at what stage vehicles have to be marked as carrying dangerous goods and how they should be marked. Key points from the legislation are:

• Requirement for driver training
• Equipment that must be carried on the vehicle Eg fire extinguishers and protective equipment
• Documentation must be available with the vehicle detailing what is being carried, precautions to be taken and risks if spilt.
• Classification of dangerous goods (Please follow this link to HSE webpage with dangerous goods classification)
• Limits on the amount of goods carried
• Markings displayed of vehicles
• 24/7 specialist advice must be available over the phone and number displayed on the vehicle

The regulations are complex and this article is not going to examine them in any further detail.

One key point to remember is that any waste produced as part of the clear up operation has to be classified and transported in accordance with the above regulations. In addition the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 govern the transport and disposal of hazardous wastes. There is various documentation required by the waste regulations so it is important that suitably competent people take responsibility for this. 

Hints and tips when involved with a dangerous goods incident.

REMEMBER - ORANGE BOARDS OR DIAMOND MARKINGS MEAN DANGER

The key point is, if there is a spillage of an unknown material treat it as hazardous until confirmed otherwise. It is vital that nobody places themselves in a position which could render them unable to protect themselves, their colleagues and the public. The Fire and Rescue Service has the necessary equipment, expertise and training to allow a much closer approach than any other organisation.

It is important to understand that the Fire and Rescue Services always take primacy when an incident involves dangerous goods. The incident will only be handed to the Police or Traffic Officer service once the scene is safe. The more information provided to them early, the sooner they will have the correct equipment on scene to manage it. Service Providers may also have subcontractors which are able to assist with the clearance of spillages.

Only approach an incident if the senior Police/Fire Officer authorises and states that it is safe to do so. Any approach should, if possible, be made so that as you face the incident, the wind blows from behind you towards the incident. It is worth remembering that the majority of these substances (even gases) are heavier than air. This means that they will ordinarily travel downhill, so keep uphill if possible.

Do not go any closer than absolutely necessary especially if first at a scene. If possible speak to the driver to ascertain the substance carried and locate the written information (TREM CARD) that should be carried or view the markings on the affected vehicle or container. 

If available use the information contained within the TREM Card to provide initial basic information as to the type and severity of the danger posed. However take advice from those specifically trained in dealing with hazardous chemicals

Try to ascertain the following information without placing yourself or others at risk and advise your control room for onward transmission to the fire and rescue services:

• Estimated number of casualties
• Load and container description - is it a small container, a large drum or an articulated tanker?
• Form of leak / spill - where is it coming from and how much is there?
• Type of Hazardous substance
• UN Number as shown on the hazard warning plate affixed to the vehicle
• Direction of liquid flow
• Estimated wind speed and direction
• Any obvious potential impact on the surrounding area
• Contact numbers displayed on the vehicle

If the hazardous material is entering the drainage system and/or watercourses then the RCC should ensure the Environment Agency are aware of the incident. The Service Provider may be able to provide drainage information to establish the likely outfall of that section of drainage.

There is a risk if two or more chemicals are involved that there could be mixing and a resultant chemical reaction. This has the potential to cause fire, explosion or toxic fumes to be emitted.

Large volumes of hazardous material tend to be well marked and drivers have the relevant paperwork. These although having the potential to cause major spillages can be managed safely. The higher risk incidents can be those involving two or three unmarked drums carried in a small van. Until the material is identified it has to be treated very carefully.

There are certain materials which have been classified as high consequence loads. These are materials which are extremely hazardous or at risk of hijack by extremist groups. The Police have implemented a Dangerous Goods card system which gives the driver instructions on what to do if they feel under threat. The card also gives instructions on how the driver should check the credentials of anybody approaching the stationary vehicle by contacting the Police control room using the 999 system.

This article only covered generic hazardous load issues. A future bulletin could be written to cover more detailed issues such as hydrofluoric acid, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and Acetylene. If you would like to see this article or have direct experience of managing incidents such as these please contact the TIM Bulletin.

Has this article been worthwhile reading? Why not take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts or questions. Please e-mail TIMbulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk.