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CDL · Emergencies

If a tank truck is leaking flammable liquid, what should you do?

Correct answer

Stop immediately, move people away from the area, do not start the engine if it is off, do not smoke, and call for help

  1. A Drive faster to escape the leak area
  2. B Stop immediately, move people away from the area, do not start the engine if it is off, do not smoke, and call for help
  3. C Try to repair the leak with available tools
  4. D Continue to the destination

Why this is the answer

A flammable liquid leak is a fire and explosion hazard from the moment it starts. Stop in a safe location away from people, traffic, and ignition sources. Do not start or run the engine if it is off (the engine and electrical systems are ignition sources). Do not smoke or allow anyone nearby to smoke. Move people upwind and at least 100 feet away (more for large leaks). Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping papers. Do not try to fix the leak yourself — professional hazmat responders have the equipment and training to seal leaks and clean spills. Driving with a leak spreads contamination, increases fire risk as vapors accumulate along the route, and makes cleanup vastly more difficult.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 8.4.1 Leaks

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