Dallas, Tex.-Trinity Industries Inc. is appealing the recent $9.6 million judgment in a suit over the death of one person and the injuries to another from a 2003 anhydrous ammonia tank explosion in Iowa, according to press reports. Trinity spokesman James Perry at the company’s Dallas office declined to confirm the report, saying that “there would be no comment because the company has not said anything publicly about the case.” Industry observers said the April 15, 2003, incident prompted the new federal regulations to have nurse tanks periodically pressure and thickness tested and visually inspected by a certified inspector, and should be a reminder to have employees who work with anhydrous ammonia properly trained as competent attendants. Companies also need to have in place an emergency response plan to be reviewed periodically with employees and local emergency response groups.
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