Chlorine, a Railroad Crossing, and an Illegal Overnight Stop
You are hauling 4,000 lb of UN1017, Chlorine, 2.3, in cylinders from Geismar to a water treatment plant in north Louisiana. It is 9:30 p.m. and you have been driving since 6:00 a.m. with a 30-minute break; your electronic log shows 9 hours 45 minutes of driving in the last 14 hours. You are 40 miles from the receiver, but the receiver closes at 10:00 p.m. and will not unload until 7:00 a.m. Your route crosses a marked railroad crossing with flashing red lights but no gate; a local driver flashes his lights and waves you through. Dispatch suggests you park on the wide shoulder of the two-lane highway, set the brakes, and sleep until morning. Dispatch also mentions a shortcut through a tunnel that is posted against hazardous materials.
1. What is the required railroad crossing procedure for this placarded chlorine load?
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Placarded chlorine is a Division 2.3 toxic gas, so you must stop at the crossing. Stop within 50 feet of the nearest rail but not less than 15 feet from it, look and listen, and make sure all tracks are clear. Do not shift gears while crossing. Flashing red lights mean stop and remain stopped; another driver's wave does not override the signal or your duty to check. If the lights malfunction or a train is present, stay clear and notify the railroad or 911. Proceed only when you can cross completely without stopping on the tracks.
2. Can you park on the highway shoulder until morning? What parking rule applies to this load?
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No. A 2.3 toxic gas load cannot be left unattended in a public place, and a highway shoulder is also within 5 feet of the traveled portion-both are prohibited. Parking there to sleep would leave the load unattended and vulnerable to a rear-end crash or theft. You need a secure terminal, a shipper or consignee lot with permission, or another safe, attended location. If no safe place is available, do not simply stop; contact dispatch to arrange one. Once legally parked, set the brakes and chock the wheels. The receiver's 7:00 a.m. opening does not justify an illegal or unsafe parking spot.
3. Dispatch suggests the tunnel shortcut posted against hazardous materials. What should you do?
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Do not use the tunnel. A tunnel posted against hazardous materials is a route restriction; dispatch cannot waive it. For a 2.3 toxic gas, a tunnel incident would be especially dangerous because the gas could accumulate and evacuation would be difficult. Use the posted alternate hazmat route or ask the shipper or consignee for a legal route. If a tunnel is legally open to the load, still maintain spacing, do not stop inside, and follow any escort or ventilation requirements.