The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued an emergency recall order of 55,000 propane tanks manufactured by the Lite Cylinder Company.
The order directs that certain two-piece, fully wrapped fiber composite cylinders be removed from service. These composite cylinders are commonly used as portable fuel tanks for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), under the leadership of the IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee, has issued this bulletin to assist fire departments in educating their personnel about this recall effort and developing a process to answer questions from their citizens on the matter. They should also know what to do with unsolicited cylinders that might be dropped off at public-safety facilities.
Use Caution
If you come into contact with the tanks subject to the recall, please use caution. PHAMSA has advised that these cylinders may leak flammable gas or suddenly rupture.
Recall Details
Cylinders manufactured by Lite Cylinder with any of the following markings are subject to this recall:
- DOT-SP 14562
- DOT-SP 13957
- DOT-SP 13105 (only if manufactured by the Lite Cylinder Company)
- Any cylinder requalified under requalification approval H706
- Any cylinder manufactured under M5729
The Emergency Recall Order directs anyone who is in possession of one of these specific bottles to
- stop using it
- close the valve
- safely disconnect the cylinder once the valve is closed
- store the cylinder in a space that is well ventilated and not enclosed
- protect the cylinder from heat and keep it away from all heat sources
The order directs questions to PHAMSA's Hazmat Info Center at 800-467-4922. In addition to the order, PHMSA has issued additional guidance on disposal and transportation of the cylinders.
The public has not and will not be directed to take the bottles to their local fire stations.
Department Education and Planning Suggestions
Fire departments should become familiar with the information on the recall flyer and formulate an internal plan to inform the public of proper recall steps to take.
For the community:
- Share a link to the PHMSA Recall webpage through your public communication vehicles and provide copies of the Emergency Recall Order Flyer (available through the recall webpage) at prominent and appropriate locations around your community.
- Review and implement your community's Household Hazardous Waste program for proper and safe disposal of these cylinders.
- Stress the importance of calling the Hazmat Info Center at 800-467-4922.
For the department and response:
- If a cylinder is dropped off at a public-safety facility, call the Hazmat Information Center and implement your community's Household Hazardous Waste program.
- Recalled cylinders that are leaking or involved with fire - follow your agency's SOG/SOP on hazmat emergency response for LPG cylinders.