Sulfuric acid IBC leaking near a stormwater drain in rain
A driver is transporting two IBCs of UN 1830 sulfuric acid (Class 8, packing group II) on a rigid truck. During a heavy rain shower on a suburban road, the driver sees liquid dripping from the valve of one IBC and smells acrid fumes. The drip is running across the deck and onto the road near a stormwater drain. The driver has a DG declaration, a spill kit, and PPE in the cab. Traffic is moderate and a school is 200 m away. The driver's mobile phone is in the cab. The driver has a D endorsement and has been trained in emergency procedures. The driver is unsure whether to move the truck to a safer place or stop immediately.
1. What immediate actions should the driver take on discovering the leak?
Read the worked answer
The driver should stop as soon as it is safe, switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and hazard lights, and keep people away. The driver should approach from upwind, put on the PPE from the cab, and assess the leak without touching the acid or walking through the drip. If it is safe, the driver should use the spill kit to block the stormwater drain and contain the liquid, but should not wash it into the drain or use a hose. The driver should not move the truck again if that would spread the leak or worsen the valve damage. If fumes are strong or the leak is uncontrolled, the driver should evacuate to a safe distance and call for help.
2. Who must be notified, and what information should the driver give?
Read the worked answer
The driver should call 111 and ask for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, then notify the transport operator and the consignor. The information should include the exact location, the UN number and proper shipping name (UN 1830 sulfuric acid), Class 8, PG II, the number and size of IBCs, whether the leak is continuing, wind direction, the nearby stormwater drain and the school 200 m away. The DG declaration and emergency contact should be available for responders. The driver should follow directions from emergency services and not re-enter the area until told it is safe.
3. What should the driver avoid doing, and why?
Read the worked answer
The driver should not try to clean up a large or continuing leak, should not neutralise acid without training and the right material, and should not use water to wash it away because that spreads the acid and can generate heat. The driver should not smoke, eat or drink near the spill, and should not stand in the vapour or let others do so. The driver should not leave the scene unattended or move the vehicle if the leak is still active. These actions can increase exposure, contaminate the drain and make the emergency response harder.