NTSB calls for improved safety for trailers carrying hazardous gas

Mar 23, 2009

Members of the National Transportation Safety Board on March 5 made recommendations intended to prevent incidents caused by mishandling acetylene – a colorless, flammable gas – during transport.

According to a press release, NTSB recommended the Department of Transportation and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration "modify current federal regulations addressing the adequacy of mobile acetylene trailer design for protection during transport and the effectiveness and safety of current unloading procedures." NTSB also asked the Chantilly, VA-based Compressed Gas Association "to review its standard for fire suppression systems at loading and unloading facilities for these vehicles."

The board issued three recommendations (.pdf file) related to incidents when highway vehicles transporting bulk quantities of acetylene were not secured properly.