Cylinder Advisory
In June 2023, PHMSA issued a Safety Advisory to notify the public of cylinders that were over-pressurized during the requalification process and require condemnation. Approximately 10,000 DOT 3AL cylinders are affected, especially those used in medical oxygen service, requalified by Requalifier Identification Number (RIN) N046 between March 2018 and March 2023.
Additionally, approximately 15,000 cylinders were under-pressurized during testing. These cylinders do not require condemnation, but do require a periodic requalification prior to filling, or being transported in commerce.
Is Your DOT 3AL Cylinder Affected?
First, locate the requalification markings to determine if your cylinder was requalified by RIN N046 between March 2018 and March 2023. For RIN N046, the markings should appear as follows:
If your cylinder fits this description, use the Serial Number Search Tool below to determine if it is affected by this action. To check, locate the cylinder’s serial number and enter it into the tool's search field. The serial number can be found in the marking string on the cylinder's shoulder, either immediately following or below the DOT specification number ("DOT-3AL").
If your serial number is not listed, the cylinder is not affected.
If your serial number is included in the spread sheet, note whether it reads "Ovr" or "Undr," and follow the instructions below.
What to Do with Your Affected Cylinder
If you are consumer in possession of an affected cylinder, contact your supplier to return the cylinder.
If you are a medical oxygen supplier, use PHMSA's RIN locator tool to locate an authorized retester of DOT 3AL cylinders. The RIN locator is also available as a mobile app, for iOS or Android.
If you are a retester, affected cylinders that have been overfilled should be condemned. Affected cylinders that were under-pressurized must be requalified via hydrostatic test before returning to service. Approved retesters may also use the Ultrasonic Examination (UE) method to requalify under-pressurized cylinders.
If you find yourself in possession of one of the affected cylinders, contact:
BJ MedQuip Repair Services, Inc.
Telephone: 918.865.7529
P.O. Box 1004 Mannford, OK 74044
More questions?
For more information, contact the Hazardous Materials Info Center:
1.800.HMR.4922 or (1.800.467.4922)
E-mail: infocntr@dot.gov