4/11/2013--There are cylinders which have been taken to recycling facilities while still containing compressed gases and other hazardous materials. Cylinders that have not been purged of their contents can pose a serious risk to health and safety.

The sudden release of compressed gas could result in extensive property damage, serious injury, or even death.

If you are in possession of a cylinder and are unsure if it is empty, or you have any other concerns, contact PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Information Center at 800-467-4972.

These cylinders are often steel or aluminum, but may also be made of fiber wrapped composite materials (commonly known as Composite Cylinders). Uses include welding, scuba diving, home healthcare, and food & beverage service.

If you discover a cylinder containing a compressed gas, move it to a safe place (if it's safe to do so) and inform your Environmental Health & Safety Department. Persons handling or using cylinders should have basic training on-file with their department or supervisor. At a minimum, this training should include review of operating and safety protocols for tasks to be performed, review of appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets, and hands-on training with someone who has experience handling compressed gas cylinders.

Incident Reporting
Incidents involving cylinders must be reported in writing on DOT form 5800.1 within 30 days. Reporting requirements and a preparation guide is available here. Incidents involving death, serious injury, or other emergency circumstances such as facility evacuations must be reported within 12 hours to the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802.

PHMSA warns against filling improperly-marked high pressure cylinders with hazardous materials. These cylinders may rupture under pressure during normal transportation and use, potentially resulting in extensive property damage, serious personal injury, or death.

3/13/2013—PHMSA has become aware of approximately 496 improperly-marked DOT 3AA and 3AL cylinders used in carbon dioxide service. Kraus Fire Equipment Co. marked cylinders provided by Flint Welding Supply Co. with a requalification identification number (RIN) without first performing a valid hydrostatic requalification test, which is required under the Hazardous Materials Regulations. 

Characteristics of the Unauthorized Cylinders:
1. Purchased or serviced from Flint Welding Supply Company around June 2010 to December 2012.
2. Cylinders are improperly-marked with either "A978", full or partially, or just the month and year, without a requalification identification number (RIN) mark in the middle.

These cylinders should be considered unsafe and unauthorized for filling with hazmat, unless and until they are properly tested by an individual or company that is authorized by DOT to requalify DOT specification cylinders.

Companies and Individuals with Improperly-Marked Cylinders: If you are in possession of cylinders identified in this advisory and they are filled with an atmospheric gas, please arrange for authorized personnel to vent or otherwise safely discharge the contents. Individuals are advised to remove it from service and return it to Flint Welding Supply Co, Flint MI.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Richard Battstone, Jr., Owner, (810) 744–4780
Kraus Fire Equipment Co.
G–4080 S. Dort Highway
Burton, MI

PHMSA warns against filling unauthorized compressed gas cylinders with hazardous materials.

12/8/2012--PHMSA has become aware of welding kits that contain unauthorized compressed gas cylinders. Over 300 known purchasers have been notified directly.

Individuals and companies in possession of unauthorized welding kit cylinders are warned not to fill them with any hazardous materials.

Filling unauthorized cylinders is punishable by civil penalty and/ or criminal prosecution.

These welding kit cylinders do not meet US DOT specifications, and are not authorized for hazardous materials service in the United States. They have not been inspected nor tested for safety, potentially posing danger to individuals and property.

Characteristics of unauthorized welding kit cylinders:

1. Welding kits contain two (2) high pressure cylinders.
2. Cylinders are stenciled with "Made in China" in white lettering on the side near the bottom.
3. Cylinders do not have markings that identify its type or service pressure.
4. Cylinders are similar in appearance to DOT 3A or 3AA and DOT 8A (steel) cylinders, which would commonly contain oxygen and acetylene used in oxyacetylene welding.