Unification of the Construction of Tank Vehicles as an Important Element in Improving the Safety of Transport and Rescue Operations

Aim: The aim of the research was to verify the assumptions regarding the need to unify and standardize the design of tank vehicles in order to make it easier for rescuers from specialized chemical-ecological rescue groups (SRGChem) to make the right decisions at the scene. Ultimately, such unification is expected to allow the safe elimination of the threat by improving the rescue efforts of the groups in question. To carry it out, it is necessary to analyse rescue operations and draw conclusions, which should be made available to the manufacturers of tank vehicles, carriers and SGRchem rescuers. Project and methods: In the first stage of consideration, an analysis of the literature was carried out, followed by a survey of the rescuers who are members of SRGChem in order to find out their opinions on the unification of the construction of tank vehicles. Questions included emergency unloading valves. Interviews were also conducted with experts familiar with the issues of the subject in question, in particular practitioners who perform command functions in the SGRchem on a daily basis. Results: A survey of emergency responders from specialized chemical and environmental rescue groups shows that the vast majority of this group sees a significant problem arising from the varied design of tank vehicles for transporting hazardous substances. An overwhelming number of respondents indicated that unification of the construction of tank vehicles transporting hazardous substances is feasible, but requires a lot of discussions with the manufacturers in terms of seeking new solutions, i.e., insurance relief for tank vehicles that would be certified for unified construction. Conclusions: The transportation of hazardous materials is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge. The organization of transport in accordance with current safety regulations and standards ensures not only the minimization of risks arising from the transport of hazardous materials, but also its full efficiency. It is important to remember that every participant in the transport of dangerous goods has certain responsibilities. The greatest scope is imposed on the carrier and the shipper. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to an indispensable element of transport safety – that is, training, which should be carried out for all employees who come into contact with dangerous goods. All these considerations lead to the conclusion that unification of the construction of tank vehicles would have a significant impact on improving the safety of transport and the effectiveness of ongoing rescue operations. Keywords: safety, transport, rescue, training, hazardous substances