How to Write a Report on Hazardous Materials

If you are involved in a chemical spill or other accident involving hazardous materials, it is important to file a report with the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) so that the damage can be assessed and the recovery effort can be informed. 49 CFR 171.16 outlines the process and requirements for filing a report with PHMSA.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the National Response center at 800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675 no more than 12 hours after an incident occurs and report your name, your address or the name and address of the person you're representing in this report; a contact phone number; date, time and location of the incident; any injuries; class or division, proper shipping name; quantity of hazardous materials; and the nature of the incident. The regulations for reporting an incident by phone are covered under 49 CFR 171.15.

• 2

  Acquire Hazardous Materials Incident Report DOT form F5800.1. A PDF version of the form is available and can be submitted on the PHMSA website.

• 3

  Fill out the form completely and submit it to the PHMSA. The form must be submitted within 30 days of discovering the incident.