Document wgZzbLxNvDJqkYBvaNmkV2R06

TASK l-.KUUf Minutes of January 13, 1970 Meeting The scheduled meeting of Task Group E was called to order by D. L. Dowell, Chairman, at 9:00 a.m., January 13, 1970 in the MCA Conference Room, Washington, D. C. . The following members were present: H. D. Butter R. E. Phillips D. L. Dowell R. D. Kogler (for J. D. Little) T. G. Taylor P. M. Reed M. E. Sutherland Continental Oil Co Ethyl Corporation B. F. Goodrich Chemical Monochem, Inc. PPG Industries Tenneco Hydrocarbon Union Carbide Corp. After introductions, Mr. Dowell stated that the purpose of the meeting is to review all aspects of the Task Group's activities and to formulate final recommendations to be presented to the general meeting on January 14. The minutes of the November 7,'1909 meeting were approved with the following corrections: 1. "Subgroup" to read "Task Group" throughout. 2. Page 7, Item D (c) revised to read "Keep unofficial personnel away." A. Emergency Kits as Baggage Mr. Paul Reed's report on carrying an emergency kit on commercial airlines as baggage was received. There is no restriction other than the size and weight limits of 62" length plus width, and 70 lb., respectively. B. Safety Valve Emergency Closures The emergency closure devices prepared for use on ACF and Midland safety re * lief valves were reviewed in detail. See Monochem sketches B-789 and B-793. Mr. Kogler noted that the top 0-rings of both types of valves could be re placed in the field, .and in many cases valve seepage can thus be controlled. The proposed kit'is intended to control more serious leakage. Monochem will revise the sketches to take into account the suggestions of the Task Group and will build a sample- of each for field check. Ethyl will assist as needed. As-built drawings of a successfully tested unit will be sent to the members. The safety valve kits remain under development at this time. Problems exist in pluggage of safety valve housing drain holes ,and the question of PLAINTIFF'S 1 ( EXHIBIT | UNIR0001089 auxiliary pop valve or rupture disc on the kit,must be resolved. c. Report on Task Group MC" Studies on VC1 Combustion No formal data on combustion products was available at this meeting. Dr. Crider is reported to have run computer simulations of 200,000 lb. of VC1 under severe wind velocities. The results indicate desirability of evacuating up to 12,000 ft., downwind. Charts will be made available. The only significant area for phosgene concentration (^0 ZOft^rpjii) is the fire. Work is underway on a Draeger tube detector. Tlrrr jj in hr - sj sweet odor-and--catt-bc detected'. Final conclusion: DON'T WORRY ABOUT PHOSGENE. . D. Recommendations to General Meeting (These do not relate to the maritime environment.) 1. CONSENSUS #1 . Spilled vinyl chloride should not be deliberately ignited. 2. CONSENSUS #2 . A vinyl chloride fire should not be% extinguished.. Large volumes of water or fog can dissipate fumes. 3. Handling of Leaks See Bureau of Explosives Pamphlet 22. It constitutes recommended practice for derailments involving tank cars. ' A. No leaks This situation is usually competently handled by railroad personnel. It is noted here that the railroad's prime object is to reopen traffic and that railroad people are in charge. Shipper representa tives are only advisers. Proper procedures in handling vinyl chloride must be emphasized as the only means of expediting the clearing of the scene. See Hulcher's letter attached to these minutes. B. Controllable leaks c4tm2J a a Small holes; Drive wooden plugs. b Larger holes; Neoprene patch, bonded or chained to tank. f Special rigs should be left to the judgement of the man at the - scene. . c. Jagged holes are difficult to close. 0 UNIR0001090 d. Ansul Purple K will extinguish a vinyl chloride fire but re ignition often occurs. Use around valves if it appears that a leak can be subsequently controlled. e. Safety relief valve kits are being developed by the Task Group. C. Uncontrollably--leaks - no fire a.tv Isolatq["area (see Task Group "C" report) b. Remove sources of ignition. ' c. Control spread of vapors by water spray. D. Uncontrollable leaks - fire a. Evacuate and isolate area. b. Keep adjacent cars cool, if possible, with monitor nozzle. c. Keep unofficial personnel away. d. Treat a non-burning tank car in vicinity of fire as if it is about to rupture. e. If vinyl chloride gets to a sewer, evacuate area and flush sewers with fire hoses. - Personnel at the Scene Personnel sent to an accident should be capable, knowledgable with VCM,and not restricted by title. The individual should be at each company's option, but technical qualification is recommended. It is suggested that MCA consider providing data for, or conducting a training course for police, railroad employees, etc. Suggested Emergency Kit Contents U-<iv (.. *h VvwJa txA t The following are considered essential: 'Let, a. Explosion meter b. Self- contained air supply c. Wood plugs and wood mallet (see B of E 22) d. Data sheet and pencil e. Camera and film ' f. Flashlight (Bureau of Mines approved) g- P.ubber gloves - Oi h. Slicker suit i. Rubber overshoes |a _ __ _ -*L-L-4 " * ^ j- Safety line (braided stainless, plastic covered) and harness liL1L^ L., f(__^ k. `Goggles " ' -* J l. Safety hat m. O-rings ^^ n. Strap wrench o. 10" adjustable wrench P- Screwdriver q Ground continuity meter(/U*ju^n'^ t Take a backup mart, % .. 6.^2. Avoid wearing woolen or nylon clothing. (?lZL*L ) dcLfiLd- M'c Obtain pipe plugs at local sources. 'VvXi-- s. < UNIR0001091 1 r Iji . I S' S'"-) 9. Press Releases The^representative at the scene must be guided by his company's policy. The'following are suggestions: a. At the scene - refer the press to Bureau of Explosives inspector. Be hones b. Away from the scene - put off comment unt,ilC*representative reports back. Be honest. * c. If asked "where" or "when" - give answer, if known. d. If asked "how did it happen": do not give an answer. even spe"cdilative. e. X f. If asked "what are the burning products": mostly HCl (muriatic acid) and carbon dioxide. If asked "what about phosgene": No danger. Traces, if present, will dissipate. g. If asked "what is vinyl chloride": colorless like water, unless frost forms; sweet odor; used to make ordinary vinyl plastics. 10. Cooperative Efforts Task Group^B^recomroends the establighm^nt^a mutual aid system for vinyl chloride accidents under the auopicfrs of MCA. This system should see that the nearest qualified man. gets to the scene as an adviser until the shipper's representative arrives. Corporate approval of this recommendation from the companies represented on Task Group B is being sought by the members. The members are urged to submit their emergency phone numbers and state ment of willingness to provide advice, to F. G. Stephenson. Current listing is attached to these minutes. 11. MCA Publications The Task Group suggests that the above recommendations be incorporated in revised editions of SD-56 and Chera Card 46 on vinyl chloride. Objectives for Future Activities of Task Group 1. Complete the evaluation and test of safety valve closure kits. 2. Complete the submittal of emergency numbers to MCA. 3. Subject to approval of the General Meeting and MCA Staff Representative, consider maritime problems. 4. Consider industry standardization of VCl tank car domes and fittings, subject to MCA staff approval. . The meeting adjourned sine die at 2:00 p.o. -. Approved ^ D. L. Dowell, Chairman B. F. Goodrich Respectfully R. E. Phillips Ethyl Corporation / UNIR0001092