The Incident Files: Driver Overfills an AST with Red Dyed Low Sulfer Diesel

 

In each Incident File, the intention is to foster a strong driver safety culture through real-life examples and incidents that serve as reminders of the critical importance of constant awareness and safe actions on the road.

Each report shared here is a testament to the potential consequences of unsafe practices and serves as a call to reinforce the subject of safety at the forefront of our daily thought processes through repetition and reflection.

You're encouraged to read these reports attentively, internalize the lessons they offer, and consider how they relate to your own experiences and responsibilities as a fuel transport driver.

Time of Incident:

11:00 AM

Location:

Customer's Construction Site

Weather Conditions:

Clear sunny morning

Driver's Experience:

The driver involved in the incident had 1-1/2 years of experience.

Description of Incident:

At approximately 11:00 AM, on a customer's construction site, the incident involved the overfilling of a 500-gallon aboveground storage tank (AST). The driver, while actively pumping diesel broke protocol when he abandoned the open flowing nozzle at the AST fill-hole and allowed himself to be distracted in an unrelated conversation with subcontractors who were performing unrelated work away from the AST.

Root Cause Analysis:

The root cause of the incident was determined to be driver distraction due to engaging in a personal conversation not related to work matters. The following factors contributed to the incident:

Driver distraction: The driver allowed himself to be distracted by walking away from a flowing nozzle and engaging in an unrelated conversation with subcontractors who were not associated to the driver or his work function. This distraction caused the driver to momentarily lose focus, resulting in the overfilling of the AST.

Recommended Corrective Actions:

To prevent similar incidents and improve safety measures, the following corrective actions are recommended:

1. Strict adherence to safety protocols:

Reinforce the importance of following existing company safety protocols and procedures during fuel transfer operations. Emphasize that drivers should prioritize their attention and focus solely on their assigned tasks, avoiding any unrelated conversations or distractions.

2. Communication and awareness:

Foster a culture of effective communication and situational awareness. Encourage drivers to promptly stop work and/or report any potential distractions or unsafe practices observed at work sites, ensuring that they feel supported in prioritizing safety.

3. Ongoing training and reminders:

Conduct regular training sessions and provide visual and weekly newsletter reminders to drivers regarding the potential dangers of distractions during fuel transfer operations. These reminders can serve as constant reinforcement of the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions.

Cost Incurred by the Company:

The exact cost incurred by the company is unknown at this time. However, as a result of the incident, disciplinary actions were taken against the driver, and hazmat remediation was required to remove approximately 7 inches of contaminated soil surrounding the overfilled AST. After remediation and incineration costs are established, applicable penalties, fines, and happenstance litigation costs will be added.

Assessment:

The incident involving the overfilling of a 500-gallon AST at a customer's construction site occurred due to an avoidable driver distraction. To address the root cause, it is recommended to reinforce strict adherence to safety protocols, promote effective communication and awareness, and provide ongoing training and reminders. By implementing these corrective actions, the company can minimize distractions, enhance safety practices, and mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future.

Disclaimer

The reports shared herein are curated from a wide range of reports and stories collected from various sources across the nation. While I strive to present accurate and relevant information, it is important to note that these incidents may have been modified or anonymized to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the shared reports do not represent the experiences or practices of any specific organization I am currently associated with. They are offered as learning tools to prompt reflection and discussion within the driving community.

I encourage readers to exercise their own judgment and discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided. Remember, your own safety and the safety of others on the road should always be the highest priority.

Let us learn from these examples, ensuring that safety remains our utmost priority throughout our journeys.

Be well, stay safe and keep your hands dirty.

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