MDI Transportation Guidelines - Polyurethanes - American ...

MDI transportation
g u i d e l i n e s
Appendix 3: Guidelines for the Unloading of Rail Tank Cars
(A Suggested Checklist)
This appendix contains guidance for off-loading rail cars into storage tanks. Because of variations in the
configuration of a customer’s facilities, the specific activities involved or the sequence in which they are
conducted may differ from that described in this appendix.
Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate is typically shipped in DOT 111A100 W2, general purpose rail tank cars
that normally have a baked phenolic lining and external insulation.
U.S. Department of Transportation regulation 49 CFR § 174.67 requires that throughout the entire period of
unloading and while the tank truck has unloading equipment attached, a qualified person must attend the rail
tank car unloading process to ensure safety.
The following satisfy DOT attendance requirements:
• Physical on-site attendance by a person who is alert and has an unobstructed view of the unloading
operation.
• A signaling system that includes surveillance equipment (television monitors and video cameras) with
remote shut-off equipment. This equipment must be monitored at all times either in the
immediate area of the rail tank car or from a remote location “within the facility.”
• A signaling system that includes sensors that provide immediate notification of a system malfunction
(e.g., presure reduction, leakage, hose or line rupture, and detection of minute levels of fumes or
vapors) or other emergency so that, if warranted, the product flow may be immediately halted.
Copyright 2001, American Plastics Council
Appendix 3-1