Trucking News and Briefs for Wednesday, 6th June 2024:
Washington State warns of carbon-monoxide dangers after trucker’s death
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries warns truck drivers of the dangers of carbon dioxide poisoning after the death of a driver on June 1.
According the Department’s Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program a 61 year old truck driver died of carbon monoxide poisoning after taking a long break in his truck. He parked his truck at the terminal of his employer for about 24 hours, and slept in the truck’s sleeping berth.
A FACE report stated that “around 9:30 am, he walked to the main terminal,” Another driver saw him struggling with a door leading to the employee bathroom and shower area. The driver helped open the door, but noticed that he was disoriented, had difficulty walking and standing, and was having trouble breathing.
After calling 911, the first responders arrived and brought the driver to hospital, where he later died. The toxicology report concluded that he died of CO poisoning.
These bottles of butane fuel, which bear a warning about carbon monoxide, were found in the truck that the driver died from.
The investigation found:
- The driver was likely poisoned with CO from the single-burner, butane stove that was found in the truck.
- The bunk heater in the sleeper was powered by a small diesel blower motor. The air monitoring in the sleeper, and near the heater exhaust, while it was running, did not show any significant amounts of CO.
- No exhaust leaks have been detected in the engine or undercarriage of the truck.
[ Related to: $50, a little installation work and a close call could save your life. Trucker Scott Carlson]
FACE investigators concluded, to prevent similar incidents, employers and drivers:
- Install battery-powered CO alarms in truck cabins and sleeping berths. Use only vehicle-specific detectors.
- Develop and enforce clearly-written accident prevention program (APP), policies for CO poisoning. Policies should:
- Drivers’ knowledge of CO hazards, exposure sources and prevention methods, detector alarms and poisoning symptoms as well as emergency responses should be evaluated. Conduct periodic refresher courses.
- Check and service the engine and bunk heater exhaust system on a regular basis to ensure that CO leaks can be detected and repaired prior to returning the truck to service.
1) Do not use butane, propane or other fuel-burning stoves or space heaters in cabs, trailers, and sleepers. Fuel canisters emit CO, which is a toxic, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It can cause brain and cardiac damage, unconsciousness and suffocation quickly and without warning. 2) Tell drivers whose CO alarm is activated to exit their vehicle immediately, get fresh air and have their truck towed and checked for CO leaks. If the driver feels poisoned, call 911. 3) Tell drivers to avoid parking near trucks that are idling, or using APUs (auxiliary power units) that produce exhaust fumes. Even if the windows and vents of a truck are closed, exhaust fumes may still enter. This can be difficult to do in a truck-stop setting.
Paccar MX-13 now Low-NOx Compliant
The new MX-13 from Paccar is compliant with CARB regulations on low nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Peterbilt
Paccar announced on Tuesday the availability of the new MX-13 engine, which is compliant with California Air Resources Board regulations for low nitrogen oxides (NOx). The engine is compliant with the CARB Omnibus Regulation, and features a redesign of the internal hardware and aftertreatment system in order to reduce NOx emissions.
The aftertreatment system for larger volumes includes an innovative compact twin assembly. It features a 48-volt-generator located in the flywheel housing and an electrical heater in the inlet. This reduces NOx emissions.
The internal hardware features a larger mixer, a longer selective catalytic convertor and a more durable and long-lasting NOx sensor. This will improve uptime. These features will allow Paccar to increase engine efficiency and fuel consumption while still meeting CARB emission regulations, the company said.
The CARB low-NOx compliant Paccar MX-13 is available in two ratings. A flat torque curve provides performance across a wide range of rpms to improve fuel economy and drivability. There are two ratings: a high-performance 510-horsepower with 1,850 lb.ft. torque and an efficiency-focused 455-horsepower and 1,650-lb.ft. torque between 900-1,325 rpm.
Peterbilt models 579, 567, and 589 with new MX-13 engines are now available to order. Kenworth has yet to announce the availability of updated engines in its models.
[ Related to Partnership between CARB and truck and engine OEMs to meet clean air goals]
This weekend, I-17 NB will be closed near Phoenix
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Interstate 17 will be closed between Happy Valley Road in north Phoenix and Loop 303 this weekend, from June 7-10. This is to improve the pavement.
ADOT advised drivers to allow extra time for travel, to consider traveling at non-peak times, such as mornings or nights, and to stay on the designated route. The closure will be in effect from 10 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday. The on-ramps to Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak will also be closed.
The detour is WB Happy Valley Road, NB Lake Pleasant Parkway, and EB Loop 303 to I-17. ADOT noted that the reverse of this route was effective in moving traffic during last weekend’s SB I-17 shutdown between Loop 303 & Happy Valley Road.
The department said that truck drivers could also consider using I-10 West Valley to NB Loop 303 for an alternative detour route.
ADOT stated that crews are continuing a project to improve the ride along 6 miles of I-17, between Happy Valley Road State Route 74. This is the final of a series of four weekends that will be closed to allow crews to safely and efficiently remove the surface asphalt, and clear as much debris and dust as possible before the highway reopens. As the work progresses, additional I-17 closures and lane restrictions may be required.