Unloading Rail Tank Cars: Checklist for Rail Tank Car Unloading

The purpose of the checklist is to demonstrate the complexity of the unloading operation and the need for a checklist to ensure the hazmat employee assigned to unload the tank car understands the requirements to ensure the transfer is conducted safely. This checklist is fully customizable to develop a facility's site-specific evaluation to ensure that it meets specific safety measures for that facility's requirements. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a rail cargo tank car on American railroads be protected against movement or coupling before opening any closure on the freight car. The relevant regulations state that a hazmat employee responsible for unloading a tank car must take certain actions. Specifically, they must secure access to the track to prevent entry by other rail equipment, must place safety caution or hazard signs on the track to warn persons approaching the cars, they must verify the handbrake is set on the car and must block at least one wheel of the tank car against movement in both directions. Personnel involved in unloading operations of rail tank cars containing hazardous materials must be trained and certified per appropriate transportation regulations both for their safety and the safety of those around them.