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• Flexible framework to justify decision about road tunnel category based on three levels of risk analysis. • Structuring the key aspects to consider when performing categorization according to dangerous goods regulations (ADR). • Simplified risk analysis approach to support categorization. • Tool assisting competent authority. The internationally adopted regulations regarding transportation of dangerous goods (ADR) contains since 2007 provisions concerning restrictions on the passage of vehicles carrying dangerous goods in road tunnels. The rules allow routing control for the transport of dangerous goods through tunnels, i.e. either granted passage through the tunnel or refer to an alternative route. Routing control is based on each tunnel is assigned to a specific category, i.e. tunnel category A–E, which to varying degrees regulate the types of goods to be allowed to go through the tunnel in order to avoid accidents with major consequences for human or tunnel construction. In this paper a comprehensive and flexible approach for categorizing road tunnels according to ADR based on risk analysis is presented. It is a logical decision model which, when followed should lead to well-founded basis for decisions regarding the appropriate categorization. Three levels of risk analysis methods is proposed; simple method, extensive method and expert assessment. In addition, a simplified risk analysis method that can be used in the risk-based categorization of existing and new tunnels is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presenting a risk pattern according to trucks technical problems by FMEA approach. • The best trucks in Fleet of HAZMAT Transportation in order to reduce accident. • The pattern based on ADR pattern for defining safety risk assessment indices. One of the most important problems in the road fleet transportation of hazardous materials is truck accidents in which the main influential factors are the type of truck and its safety conditions. This research aimed to propose the pattern of assessing safety risk of road fleet transportation of hazardous materials and classifying trucks with a safety approach. In this research, first the safety risk contributing factors (SRCF S) and sub-safety risk contributing factors (Sub-SRCF S) of road oil trucks were identified using job hazard analysis (JHA) method and finalized by expert consensus. Thereafter, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) was employed in order to weigh the determined SRCF S and Sub-SRCF S. Finally, the safety risk assessment pattern in road oil truck was presented considering failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA) approach. The results showed that the most important SRCF S in the road fleet of hazardous materials transportation in the carrier and tank groups were "technical characteristics of the carrier" and "technical characteristics of the tank". In addition, the most important Sub-SRCF S included unsuitable inspection of the truck (tank and carrier), poor brake system, and lack of the strength of front and rear shields of the carrier. The results showed that the main causes of increased accident risk are the lack of use of front and rear shields, brake system and inappropriate inspections. The lack of systematic inspection can be the most important case to increase the risk of road transport of hazardous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highways and freeways are the main infrastructure channel used to transport cargo in Brazil. This cargo often includes dangerous chemical products which can, in the event of an accident, negatively impact the environment. The development and implementation of tools for the rapid diagnosis of environmental vulnerability in the transportation of dangerous goods has been studied. However, for highways and freeways there is a lack of studies based on environmental attributes, and not just based on statistical data which demands a specific period for collection and analysis and only after that the implementation of preventive measures. Thus, evaluation grounded on multiple criteria embedded in Geographic Information System (GIS) has significant potential for the practical implementation of risk management of road transportation of dangerous goods. This study has determined the environmental vulnerability of route BR 050, specifically the segment between the cities of Uberlândia and Uberaba in the state of Minas Gerais, where multi criteria analysis has been efficient in determining the most vulnerable areas. The main attributes analyzed were the drainage density, soil type and geology, determining that in case of an accident with dangerous substances the regional environment would be immediately affected, and so endorsing the use of this tool in many segments involved in environmental management of highway enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Hazardous Materials on different kind of human aspects motivate scholars to increase their attention for decreasing negative impacts of them to human life. In this concern, this paper addresses a decision structure to transfer the hazardous materials to the safe location in the industries logistic system. To reach this goal, we present a new mathematical modelling problem in which location routing problem of hazardous material is addressed. To cope imprecise risk in a practical way, we define it to three kinds in the fuzzy environment including accident risk, population risk, and the bio-environmental risk. To obtain optimal results, three well-known multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) including Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm II (SPEA-II) and Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Decomposition (MOEA/D) are presented for solving ten test problems. In this case, this novelty of the model is discussed, firstly, and then proposed algorithms are compared with respect to obtained results. The results of this paper show that Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) has superior performance in terms of metrics, and Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm II (SPEA-II) beats other multi-objective evolutionary algorithms in terms of obtained number of individuals in final Pareto solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the efficiency of emergency rescue in transportation accidents of hazardous materials(HAZMAT), a Bayesian network(BN) was developed in this paper to estimate the accident handling time. Also, based on this BN, the difficulty of handling every types of accidents can be quantified. According to theoretical analysis and literature review, 7 nodes (season, time, type of road, type of HAZMAT, the former accident, the secondary accident and handling time) are used to set up the BN. The value of mutual information was calculated to refine the BN. A database of 902 transportation accident of HAZMAT cases was built up for Bayesian parameter learning. Based on the parameter learning of BN, the results were summarized as follow: (1) The BN could be used to estimate the probabilities of handling time in different periods which include ‘0 to 2 hours’, ‘2 to 4 hours’, ‘4 hours and more’. (2) The difficulty of each type of accident can be ordered as follow: rollover> rear-end> internal fault≈ impact> falling> tire fault> vehicle body fire. Leakage>combustion explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For transportation of dangerous goods rail transport uses tank wagons. Structural changes can contribute to reduction in the maximum stresses, and as a result, to improvement in technical and economic characteristics of a tank wagon. In order to investigate the stress-strain state of a tank wagon the finite element model was built, its adequacy having been checked by results of analytical calculations and experiments. It has been applied for numerous researches to find the most effective bracket support structure by comparing it to the existing structure. The laws of stiffness change in radial direction and the laws of contact pressure change have been demonstrated. The improved structure has been checked by a load spectrum according to normative documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the hazardous goods transportation equipment state real-time monitoring and control system with TMS320F2812 of TI company as the core, through the shaping of the sensor into the alcohol gas signal, filtering, amplification, a / D conversion, A / D conversion using F2812 comes with 12 bit A / D converter, continuous sampling signal monitoring gas concentration change and through the acquisition of temperature and humidity signal, the gas concentration data were temperature and humidity compensation, accurate measurement, calibration gas data can be secondary sound and light alarm, and the MAX232 and PC data transfer, at any time to check and call history. Good monitoring and control to make the system more stable. System mainly includes sensor for gas detection, temperature detection pass, humidity sensor, signal conversion and processing unit, A / D conversion circuit, sound and light alarm unit, RS232 communication module, the battery monitoring unit, a gas pump control unit. DSP main program using modular programming, completed the DSP initialization of the main program module, real-time communication with the PC module and system function module test program design. Laboratory research on gas monitoring and control system scheme is designed in this paper for tankers physical model. and on this basis, focusing on the completion of the core part of the control system in the control card design and implementation. This system can realize the monitoring of the whole process of leakage of hazardous goods transport equipment, once dangerous goods transport vehicles of hazardous chemicals spill occurred, the system can real-time detection to the leakage and alarm, the modern crisis of goods logistics provides a security solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fires following road or railway accidents may escalate and cause catastrophic loss of containment and extremely severe final scenarios when hazardous material tankers are engulfed in flames. A heat-resistant coating is usually adopted to protect such tankers. However, defects may form on the coating due to wear, erosion, or accidental failures, thereby affecting the effectiveness of the thermal protection. In the present study, a methodology was developed to assess the performance of thermal protection coatings in the presence of defects. A thermal model based on finite element modeling (FEM) was developed to reproduce the behavior of tankers coated with defective insulation when exposed to fires. Experimental data were used to validate the model, which allowed to determine the temperature profile of tank shell with respect to time under different fire conditions. Specific key performance indicators (KPIs), calculated on the basis of the results of FEM simulations, were defined. The KPIs allow the identification of threshold conditions in which fireproofing performance is degraded and jeopardizes the structural integrity of the protected vessel when involved in fire. An approach based on the KPIs was developed to support the implementation of on-condition inspection-based maintenance strategies of thermal coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We design routes for transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) in urban areas, with multiple origin-destination pairs. First, we introduce the maxisum HAZMAT routing problem, which maximizes the sum of the population-weighted distances from vulnerable centers to their closest point on the routes. Secondly, the maximin-maxisum HAZMAT routing problem trades-off maxisum versus the population-weighted distance from the route to its closest center. We propose efficient IP formulations for both NP-Hard problems, as well as a polynomial heuristic that reaches gaps below 0.54% in a few seconds on the real case in the city of Santiago, Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domino sequences found in major accidents have been analyzed for a large set of cases (330); the first event triggering the domino effect was an explosion or a fire, both with approximately the same contribution; the same proportion has been found when all domino effect steps were considered. Although fire effects usually reach a distance much shorter than those of an explosion, as fire is the most frequent major accident it is often found as the first step of domino sequences. This is especially true in the case of BLEVEs. Both in fixed plants and in the transportation of hazardous materials, in the event of a fire, if flames affect a vessel and the fireproofing layer has been damaged, a BLEVE can occur at any moment. 127 BLEVE accidents involving domino effect have been analyzed. It has been found that fire is significantly more frequent than explosion, both in triggering the domino effect sequence and in intermediate steps. The time to failure can range from 1 min or even less up to several hours, an aspect that should be very important for the management of the emergency. A set of conclusions are inferred from this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process safety, as well as the safe storage and transportation of hazardous or reactive chemicals, has been a topic of increasing interest in the last few decades. The increased interest in improving the safety of operations has been driven largely by a series of recent catastrophes that have occurred in the United States and the rest of the world. A continuous review of past incidents and disasters to look for common causes and lessons is an essential component to any process safety and loss prevention program. While analyzing the causes of an accident cannot prevent that accident from occurring, learning from it can help to prevent future incidents. The objective of this article is to review a selection of major incidents involving ammonium nitrate in the last century to identify common causes and lessons that can be gleaned from these incidents in the hopes of preventing future disasters. Ammonium nitrate has been involved in dozens of major incidents in the last century, so a subset of major incidents were chosen for discussion for the sake of brevity. Twelve incidents are reviewed and ten lessons from these incidents are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The transportation of dangerous goods is a complex issue involving various potential consequences for a wide range of high-stake elements. Most particularly, hydrocarbon transportation requires the carrying out of a global study in order to assess the risks involved. The aim of this study is to develop a prediction code for analyzing different possible hydrocarbon supply routes in order to determine whether modifying the flow of hydrocarbon transportation significantly increases the risk (for people, infrastructure and the environment). On the one hand, this paper details the methodology proposed for assessing risk levels using hazard scenarios and the vulnerability of high-stake elements. On the other hand, it presents the modeling tool developed (CARTENJEUX), based on an existing geographical information system (MapInfo), through a case study (Paris, France). Several maps (severity of accident, vulnerability and risk levels) generated using CARTENJEUX are presented in order to illustrate how stakeholders can determine preferential routes at regional scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: In this paper, a literature study on risk analysis systems for the transport of hazardous materials was conducted. Results: The insights that resulted from this literature review have led to the development of a refined approach to map the risk of hazmat transport in Flanders based on historical accident data. The proposed framework allows setting up an overall risk map for hazmat transport by different transport modes. Additionally, a methodology to calculate a local accident risk, which takes local infrastructure parameters and accident data into account, is being introduced. In the presented framework one of the general principles is that the risk of a catastrophic hazmat incident can be divided into two parts, which can both be validated on the basis of accident data: (a) the calculation of the general probability of the occurrence of an accident based on international accident data of transport of hazardous materials – this is the basis for the global risk map, and (b) the calculation of the local probability of the occurrence of an accident based on accident data and infrastructure parameters of the complete available freight transport in Flanders – this is the basis for the local risk map. The ratio between these two results in a locality parameter, which represents the local specific circumstances that can lead to an accident. Conclusions: This evaluation framework makes it possible to estimate the risks of hazmat transport along a specific route for transport by road, rail, inland navigation and even pipelines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Incidents involving hazardous material (hazmat) road tankers carrying class-2 materials may pose the greatest danger to the people and property along the transport route because of their storage condition on the transport vessel i.e. stored either in pressurized vessels or in cryogenic containers and lead to severe consequences in terms of fatalities, injuries, evacuation, property damage and environmental degradation. The worst case of release may result into phenomenon like Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) due to collision related catastrophic failure of vessel and an Unconfined Vapor Cloud Explosion (UVCE) due to delayed ignition following a large release. The impact zones or vulnerable areas have been identified along two designated. State highway routes passing through an important industrial corridor in Western India and mapped on a GIS enabled local map. HAMS-GPS software was used for the analysis of flammables and ALOHA for toxic hazmat consequences. The route risks are compared which have been estimated based on the population likely to be affected within the lethality impact areas created by the worst case release scenarios of different class-2 hazmats, namely LPG, ethylene oxide, propylene, 1,3-Butadiene, ammonia and chlorine, enabling proper routing decision by local authorities and also for planning emergency mitigating actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: North America railways offer safe and generally the most economical means of long distance transport of hazardous materials. Nevertheless, in the event of a train accident releases of these materials can pose substantial risk to human health, property or the environment. The majority of railway shipments of hazardous materials are in tank cars. Improving the safety design of these cars to make them more robust in accidents generally increases their weight thereby reducing their capacity and consequent transportation efficiency. This paper presents a generalized tank car safety design optimization model that addresses this tradeoff. The optimization model enables evaluation of each element of tank car safety design, independently and in combination with one another. We present the optimization model by identifying a set of Pareto-optimal solutions for a baseline tank car design in a bicriteria decision problem. This model provides a quantitative framework for a rational decision-making process involving tank car safety design enhancements to reduce the risk of transporting hazardous materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Performance evaluation is important in managing freight transport. The transport of certain products, especially those that are hazardous, can have significant financial and socio-environmental impacts. This article presents an application of the modal choice method (MCM) to establish an order of priority among the alternatives considered to carry a determined hazardous product. After a research of the literature on the concepts and development of the proposed method, we consulted experts about their experiences and knowledge, to determine a set of relevant attributes for the evaluation process. We then applied this method to the specific case of the Brazilian bio-ethanol industry, to demonstrate the potential of using the MCM as a tool to support make decisions. We can conclude that highway transport, though the most often used, is not the best compared to trains or pipelines (or combinations of any of the three) from a socio-environmental standpoint. Alternatives with longer pipeline segments are the most suitable to replace the current practice in environmental terms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates reporting of all serious hazardous materials incidents. Hazardous material exposures may result in secondary contamination of emergency departments, or delayed clinical effects. Poison control centers specialize in the management of patients exposed to toxic substances; however, poison control center notification is not required. Purpose: The objective is to determine the frequency of poison control center notification after serious hazardous materials incidents when patients were transported to a hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of serious hazardous materials incidents as reported by DOT, matched with data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 2002 through 2006 that involved patient transport. Incidents were divided into four groups: those reported to a poison control center within 0–360 minutes of the incident; those reported within 361–1440 minutes of the incident; those reported within 1441–4320 minutes of the incident; and no poison control center notification. Analyses were performed on variables including date, time, substance, and time to notification. Data were received in January 2008. Results: One hundred fifty-four serious incidents met inclusion criteria. One hundred thirty-four incidents (87%) occurred without poison control center notification. Poison control centers were notified in 20 incidents (12.9%); 15 incidents (9.7%) were reported within 0–360 minutes of the incident (M=115 minutes, range=5–359 minutes); four incidents (2.6%) were reported within 361–1440 minutes of the incident (M=652 minutes, range=566–750 minutes); and one incident (0.7%) was reported after 4320 minutes following the incident. Conclusions: Most serious hazardous materials incidents involving patient transport are not reported to poison control centers. Opportunities exist to increase utilization of poison control center resources without increasing financial burdens of the hazardous materials incident. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Risk assessment and management of transportation of hazardous materials (HazMat) require the estimation of accident frequency. This paper presents a methodology to estimate hazardous materials transportation accident frequency by utilizing publicly available databases and expert knowledge. The estimation process addresses route-dependent and route-independent variables. Negative binomial regression is applied to an analysis of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) accident database to derive basic accident frequency as a function of route-dependent variables, while the effects of route-independent variables are modeled by fuzzy logic. The integrated methodology provides the basis for an overall transportation risk analysis, which can be used later to develop a decision support system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Europe, the transport of flammable gases and liquids in tanks has been impacted by new developments: for example, the introduction of the vapour-balancing technique on a broad scale and the steady increase in the application of electronic components with their own power sources; furthermore, new regulatory policies like the ATEX Directives are being enforced in the European Union. With this background in mind, the present investigation aims to provide a basis for future developments of the relevant explosion protection regulations in the safety codes for the transport of dangerous goods (RID/ADR). Specifically, the concentration of gas in the air was measured under various practical conditions while tank vehicles were being loaded with flammable gases or liquids. These spot-test data were supplemented by systematic investigations at a road tanker placed in our test field. With respect to non-electrical ignition sources, a closer investigation of the effect of hot surfaces was carried out. With regard to improving the current regulations, the results of our investigation show that it would be reasonable to implement a stronger differentiation of the characteristics of the dangerous goods (gaseous/liquid, flashpoint) on the one hand and of the techniques applied (loading with and without vapour-balancing system) on the other hand. Conclusions for the further development of the current international regulations are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Composite concrete barriers represent a good alternative to current landfill containment systems because they can be made using waste minerals and thus have a lower environmental and economic cost. They are also more robust when in place. This paper presents results from laboratory testing and site trials and modelling of a concrete barrier system. Laboratory trials to determine the effect of cracking on the composite barrier are also reported. It is concluded that cracking will not cause failure. The modelling of the transport processes provided a good prediction of the movement of some species in the site trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two large-scale diesel pool fire engulfment tests were carried out on LPG tanks protected with intumescing materials to test the effectiveness of thermal coatings in the prevention of hot BLEVE accidental scenarios in the road and rail transport of LPG. A specific test protocol was defined to enhance reproducibility of experimental tests. The geometrical characteristics of the test tanks were selected in order to obtain shell stresses similar to those present in full-size road tankers complying to ADR standards. In order to better understand the stress distribution on the vessel and to identify underlying complicating phenomena, a finite element model was also developed to better analyze the experimental data. A non-homogeneous and time-dependent effectiveness of the fire protection given by the intumescing coating was evidenced both by finite element simulations and by the analysis of the coating after the tests. The results of the fire tests pointed out that the coating assured an effective protection of the tanks, consistently increasing the expected time to failure. The data obtained suggest that the introduction of fire protection coatings may be a viable route to improve the safety of the LPG distribution chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As with many aspects of modern industrial society, decision-makers face trade-offs in considering hazardous materials transportation equipment and practices. Tank cars used for transport of hazardous materials can be made more resistant to damage in accidents through use of a thicker steel tank and other protective features. However, the additional weight of these features reduces the car''s capacity and thus its efficiency as a transportation vehicle. In this paper the problem of tank car safety versus weight is developed as a multi-attribute decision problem. North American railroads recently developed specifications for higher capacity tank cars for transportation of hazardous materials including enhanced safety design features. A group of tank car safety design features or “risk reduction options” (RROs) were analyzed with regard to their effect on the conditional probability of release in an accident, and their incremental effect on tank car weight. All possible combinations of these RROs were then analyzed in terms of the reduced release probability per unit of weight increase and the Pareto optimal set of options identified. This set included the combinations of RROs that provided the greatest improvement in safety with the least amount of additional weight for any desired level of tank car weight increase. The analysis was conducted for both non-insulated and insulated tank cars and used two objective functions, minimization of conditional probability of release, and minimization of expected quantity lost, given that a car was derailed in an accident. Sensitivity analyses of the effect of tank car size and use of different objective functions were conducted and the optimality results were found to be robust. The results of this analysis were used by the Association of American Railroads Tank Car Committee to develop new specifications for higher capacity non-insulated and insulated, non-pressure tank cars resulting in an estimated 32% and 24% respective improvement in safety. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most international discussions on ballast water management onboard ships have been virtually on the prevention of the transport of biotic alien species. This study focuses on how to improve this limited knowledge regarding the transport of butyltin compounds via ballasting. Butyltin compounds in ballast water, extracted from three sea-going merchant ships with similar voyage routes and berth ports but with different ballasting practices, were determined. Only monobutyltin (8–57ngl−1) and dibutyltin (10–32ngl−1) onboard two general cargo ships were detected in the ballast water taken outside the ports. In contrast, significant tributyltin (23–93ngl−1) was detected onboard the container ship in the ballast water pumped inside the loading/unloading ports. The comparison results from this study indicate that the risk of tributyltin transfer may be effectively prevented by ballasting outside the ports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Often, the carrier/shipper of hazardous materials is interested in a collection of routes with approximately the same performance so that they can switch between different routes to avoid exposing the same population and potentially as a security measure. We develop a K shortest path algorithm for which the performance of each highway facility, with respect to each objective, can be stochastic and can vary over time. We also devise a mixed integer program to identify a subset of paths, which represents an acceptable trade-off between geographic diversity and performance. These models are then applied to a realistic case study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A methodological framework was outlined for the comprehensive risk assessment of marshalling yards in the context of quantified area risk analysis. Three accident typologies were considered for yards: (i) “in-transit-accident-induced” releases; (ii) “shunting-accident-induced” spills; and (iii) “non-accident-induced” leaks. A specific methodology was developed for the assessment of expected release frequencies and equivalent release diameters, based on the application of HazOp and Fault Tree techniques to reference schemes defined for the more common types of railcar vessels used for “hazmat” transportation. The approach was applied to the assessment of an extended case-study. The results evidenced that “non-accident-induced” leaks in marshalling yards represent an important contribution to the overall risk associated to these zones. Furthermore, the results confirmed the considerable role of these fixed installations to the overall risk associated to “hazmat” transportation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article describes a methodology to model the degree of remedial action required to make short stretches of a roadway suitable for dangerous goods transport (DGT), particularly pollutant substances, using different variables associated with the characteristics of each segment. Thirty-one factors determining the impact of an accident on a particular stretch of road were identified and subdivided into two major groups: accident probability factors and accident severity factors. Given the number of factors determining the state of a particular road segment, the only viable statistical methods for implementing the model were machine learning techniques, such as multilayer perceptron networks (MLPs), classification trees (CARTs) and support vector machines (SVMs). The results produced by these techniques on a test sample were more favourable than those produced by traditional discriminant analysis, irrespective of whether dimensionality reduction techniques were applied. The best results were obtained using SVMs specifically adapted to ordinal data. This technique takes advantage of the ordinal information contained in the data without penalising the computational load. Furthermore, the technique permits the estimation of the utility function that is latent in expert knowledge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adequately preparing for and responding to terrestrial (land-based) chemical spills are critical to the protection of human health and the environment. To facilitate analysis and support decision-making for such events, the authors have developed an environmental risk management system that characterizes the ability of a spilled chemical to immediately impact human health, groundwater, surface water, and soil resources, and incorporates these four risk areas into an overall measure of terrestrial chemical risk. This system incorporates a risk index model, leverages geographic information systems (GIS) technology, and contains a comprehensive chemical and environmental database to assess and delineate the immediate threat posed by a terrestrial chemical spill. It is designed to serve a variety of stakeholders, including managers and policy-makers, who would benefit from generating screening-level environmental risk assessments without requiring a technical background or collection of detailed environmental and chemical data. Areas of potential application include transportation routing, industrial zoning, environmental regulatory compliance and enforcement, spill response, and security planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) is an important parameter that characterizes thermal safety at transport of self-reactive substances. A great many articles were published focusing on various methodological aspects of SADT determination. Nevertheless there remain several serious problems that require further analysis and solution. Some of them are considered in the paper. Firstly four methods suggested by the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” (TDG) are surveyed in order to reveal their features and limitations. The inconsistency between two definitions of SADT is discussed afterwards. One definition is the basis for the US SADT test and the heat accumulation storage test (Dewar test), another one is used when the Adiabatic storage test or the Isothermal storage test are applied. It is shown that this inconsistency may result in getting different and, in some cases, unsafe estimates of SADT. Then the applicability of the Dewar test for determination of SADT for solids is considered. It is shown that this test can be restrictedly applied for solids provided that the appropriate scale-up procedure is available. The advanced method based on the theory of regular cooling mode is proposed, which ensures more reliable results of the Dewar test application. The last part of the paper demonstrates how the kinetics-based simulation method helps in evaluation of SADT in those complex but practical cases (in particular, stack of packagings) when neither of the methods recommended by TDG can be used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A study of 1932 accidents that occurred during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail from the beginning of the 20th century to July 2004 was carried out. The results obtained show an increase in the frequency of accidents over time. More than half of the accidents happened on roads (63%). The most frequent accidents were releases (78%), followed by fires (28%), explosions (14%) and gas clouds (6%). The various causes of the accidents, the type of substance involved and the consequences for the population (number of people killed, injured or evacuated) were also analysed. Among the diverse measures taken to improve this situation, the training of professional people involved in transportation seems to be of major importance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Canada, as in several other countries, truck drivers involved in the transportation of dangerous goods must be trained. However, given the many differences in vehicles, substances transported and driving conditions, international guidelines are very open-ended. This article outlines the domestic training requirements in Canada, the United States, The Netherlands and Sweden, and examines the manner in which the training is provided. In both Canada and the United States, the responsibility for assuring a driver is adequately trained rests with the employer. It is the employer who determines the duration and content of any training program. In addition, the assessment of a driver is also an employer responsibility. In practice, possibility in light of liability issues, many employers use commercial training firms. However, generally speaking there is no national or regional accreditation program for such commercial firms. In Europe, where training is conducted in response to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, training and testing must receive national accreditation, although the specific details of such accreditation are not spelled out. Sweden places its emphasis on careful accreditation of those providing training, while in The Netherlands more importance is placed on examinations to be used to test the results of the training. The intent of this article is to show that the same goal in four different countries has resulted in four different schemes, each of which appears to be accepted in the country of use. A comparison of safety achieved in the transportation of dangerous goods in each country is beyond the scope of this article. International evaluation studies would be necessary to draw scientifically-based conclusions on the effectiveness of truck-driver training systems for the safe transportation of dangerous goods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The risk from dangerous goods transport by road and strategies for selecting road load/routes are faced in this paper, by developing an original site-oriented framework of general applicability at local level. A realistic evaluation of the frequency must take into account on one side inherent factors (e.g. tunnels, rail bridges, bend radii, slope, characteristics of neighborhood, etc.) on the other side factors correlated to the traffic conditions (e.g. dangerous goods trucks, etc.). Field data were collected on the selected highway, by systematic investigation, providing input data for a database reporting tendencies and intrinsic parameter/site-oriented statistics. The developed technique was applied to a pilot area, considering both the individual risk and societal risk and making reference to flammable and explosive scenarios. In this way, a risk assessment, sensitive to route features and population exposed, is proposed, so that the overall uncertainties in risk analysis can be lowered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A data set of 373 past industrial security-related events was analyzed. • Sectors, threats and scenarios were investigated with correspondence analysis. • A focus on attack modes and final outcomes in process facilities was carried out. • The results point out the relevance of security events involving process facilities. • Application of results to security vulnerability and risk assessment is discussed. Industrial infrastructures, in particular those where hazardous substances are stored or handled, may be the target of malicious acts aiming at the disruption of normal operations. In the present study a toolbox of complementary and synergic techniques (Correspondence Analysis (CA), Fishbone Diagrams, Cause-Consequence Chains, Adversary Sequence Diagram, Root Cause Analysis) was applied to the in-depth analysis of physical security- and cybersecurity-related events that affected the process industry. The unprecedented original set of information obtained provides novel insights concerning these events. Clear correlations among security threats, including cyber-threats, and specific industrial sectors, as well as among the final scenarios and the different security threats from which they originate were identified by CA. In particular, vandalism resulted strongly correlated with the transportation of hazardous substances, and theft of materials with oil and gas pipelines. When considering chemical and petrochemical sites, cyber-attacks and the use of improvised explosives resulted to be the most common attack modes performed by the threat actors. Personnel and vehicle gateways resulted key elements when designing the Physical Protection System (PPS) of a facility. Insiders having the permission to enter the site bypass such controls, and were responsible of several successful attacks. Overall, the results confirm the concreteness of security-related events in the process industry and provide an original structured and detailed insight on the attack patterns experienced to date. Moreover, the results and the data obtained provide a novel set of baseline information for the application of SVA (Security Vulnerability Assessment) or SRA (Security Risk Assessment) methodologies in facilities where hazardous substances are stored or processed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ten HNS were found, at low levels, in digestive gland of mussels from NW Iberian coast. • Biomarkers associated to contamination were GR, SOD and GPx. • Mussel was shown to be a suitable bioindicator of HNS contamination. • Data pinpoint the importance of integrating a chemical and biomarker approach. Contamination derived from maritime transportation is not only linked to petroleum-based substances but also to transportation of other substances such as hazardous and noxious nature (HNS). Over the last decade, the maritime trade of HNS has been augmenting. However, levels of HNS in aquatic environment are still quite unknown. So, an integrative study, combining a chemical and a multi-biomarker evaluation, was done in the NW Atlantic Iberian coast where specimens of Mytilus sp. were collected. Ten HNS were found in the digestive gland of mussels from Vila Chã and Foz , though at generally low levels. Only measurable levels of benzene, trichloroethylene and 1,1,2-trichlorethane were found in other locations. Principal component analysis produced a clear distinction between Vila Chã and Foz and the remaining sampling sites. Biomarkers associated to contamination were the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activity of glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes. Correlations between biomarkers and HNS levels highlight the importance of performing biomonitoring campaigns integrating chemical analysis and a biomarker approach to accurately assess the environmental state of aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]