USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

White Papers

This page provides a list of White Papers that have been prepared for research, analysis and evaluation purposes for a brief summary to support the safety mission of the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety.

Paperless Hazard Communications Pilot Program (HM-ACCESS) (Jan. 13, 2014)
This paper communicates the background and status information on the Paperless Hazard Communications Pilot Program research effort, also known as the Hazardous Materials Automated Cargo Communications for Efficient and Safe Shipments (HM-ACCESS).

SCBA-Life Extension Assessment (Jan 13, 2014)
This paper articulates the second phase of the ongoing research efforts to assess the risk associated with continued usage of composite cylinders beyond the 15 year service life in SCBA applications.

US Field-Portable Gas Fuel UN 6(c) Test Assembly (Jan 10, 2014)
This paper articulates the research efforts completed to date on a field-portable gas fuel UN Test 6(c) Assembly with a proposed design which utilizes commonly available carbon steel raw materials and can be, fabricated in sections, transported to remote locations in small trucks and field assembled.

Research and Development Initiatives on Packaging Testing (Jan 8, 2014)
This paper articulates the research efforts completed to date as well as ongoing and future R&D efforts to evaluate and potentially better standardize the various performance-oriented packaging tests of packagings for hazardous materials (HM).

Multi-Modal Research Effort on Cargo Tank Rollovers (Aug 22, 2013)
This paper articulates the research efforts completed to date as well as potential future R&D efforts to reduce the number of cargo tank rollovers that occur while motor vehicles are carrying hazardous materials (HM).

FMCSA/PHMSA Nurse Tank Safety Project (Aug, 2013)
This paper articulates the research effort to determine a baseline performance standard for the manufacturing, re-qualifying and maintenance of nurse tanks, and provide information to enhance the requirements within the regulations used to mitigate the risks associated in the transportation of anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes.

Forensic Evaluation of Pressure Relief Devices (May 2, 2011)
This research project is a part of Failure Investigation relating to an argon portable tank incident in Port Everglades, Florida. The final report provides comprehensive testing and analysis of the pressure relieve devices (PRDs) used on the cryogenic argon portable tank. The report includes forensic evaluation as well as performance of each PRD at designated pressure setting. The knowledge gained from this effort will then be used to assess rout-cause of the argon portable tank incident which released a large amount of argon gas on board of a cargo vessel in Port Everglades. This research project has been initiated and managed by DOT/Hazardous Materials Technology. For technical question, contact Mr. Mark Toughiry, 202-366-4545.

Metallurgical Evaluation of a Nurse Tank Cracked Head (Apr 26, 2008)
This research project is a part of Failure Investigation relating to a 1000 gallon NH3 tank to determine the crack initiation site (CIS) and the cause of the tank failure.

The report includes comprehensive metallurgical evaluations. This research project has been initiated and managed by DOT/Hazardous Materials R&D Division. For technical question, contact Mr. Mark Toughiry, 202-366-4545

Examination of the Nondestructive Evaluation of Composite Gas Cylinders (September, 2002)
The objective of this research and development (R&D) project is to develop a nondestructive examination (NDE). For technical question, contact Mr. Mark Toughiry, 202-366-4545.