Further contributing to the accident was the failure of the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish, and oversee compliance with, adequate safety requirements for unloading hazardous materials from highway cargo tanks. Distribute written safety-critical procedures for unloading bulk shipments of hazardous materials to all Ford Motor Company employees who are engaged in cargo transfer operations, and conduct initial and recurrent training on the procedures. For example, drivers should personally verify or question all transfer connections before beginning delivery of product. Revise, in cooperation with the American Chemistry Council, the Manual of Operating Recommendations to include specific recommended practices that can be implemented to prevent the unloading of hazardous materials into the wrong storage tank. For example, drivers should personally verify or question all transfer connections before beginning delivery of product.
Nitric oxide is toxic when inhaled and is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.
Nitrogen dioxide may be fatal if inhaled. International Standards Organization. National Transportation Safety Board. Chemical Reaction During Cargo Transfer.