DATE: September 4,
2003
INCIDENT TYPE: Storage
Drum Rupture
LOCATION: District
6
TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY:
Spill Cleanup from Overturned Big Rig
THE ACCIDENT: In the
morning of Saturday, August 23 Caltrans crews were called to the scene
of an overturned big rig. Spilled were 25 tons of grapes and about 20
gallons of diesel fuel. Most of the fuel was contained on the roadway
with sand and soil. Some fuel was floating on grape juice in a small
drainage basin adjacent to the paved shoulder. The fuel-soaked soil
along with cleanup materials (spill pads and pillows) were drummed and
stored at a local Maintenance station to await disposal by our spills
contractor. There was a small amount of grape juice mixed with the contaminated
soil; as a result, pressure built up when the drums were sealed, and
one drum cover blew off. No one was injured in this incident but the
potential for injury is certainly present when these drums are subjected
to excessive pressure.
CONCLUSIONS: Fermentation
of the grape juice caused pressure to build up in the sealed drum, not
the diesel fuel.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Crews
should be instructed when storing any material that has the propensity
to ferment or expand in vented areas, if stored in drums, to not tighten
the seals. All drums must be properly labeled. For any questions about
hazardous material storage or labeling, please consult your district
Haz-Mat Coordinator.
