Safety Alerts - Hazmat Cylinders
Safety Advisory: Unauthorized Marking of Compressed Gas Cylinders
On Sept. 24, 2013, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a safety advisory to notify the public of approximately 5,900 potentially unsafe compressed gas cylinders serviced by Beauchesne Fire Equipment in Attleboro Falls, Mass., between 2011 and 2012.
Safety Advisory: Unauthorized Filling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
On Sept. 24, 2013, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a safety advisory to notify the public of potentially unsafe compressed gas cylinders filled and transported by Komer Carbonic Corp. in Detroit, Mich.
Safety Advisory: Unauthorized Filling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
7/15/2013 – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has confirmed that North American Coil and Beverage Group of 15641 E. 10 Mile Road, Eastpointe, Mich., 48021, improperly filled and offered for transportation high pressure compressed gas cylinders without verifying that they met the appropriate safety requirements for continued use.
Compressed Gas Cylinders That Have Not Been Tested Properly
5/31/2013—PHMSA has concluded that Shasta Fire Equipment, Inc. of Redding, CA, certified DOT-specification, exemption, and special permit cylinders with Requalification Identification Number (RIN) D183 between March 6, 2013 and May 6, 2013, without performing proper requalification testing to verify the suitability of the cylinders for continued service, as required by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR, Parts 171-180).
Emergency Recall Order Issued to The Lite Cylinder Company, Inc
On May 24, 2013, The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued Emergency Order Number 2013-002 mandating a recall of all cylinders manufactured by The Lite Cylinder Company, Inc. (Lite Cylinder), Franklin, Tennessee, and marked as authorized under DOT-SP 14562 (and DOT-SP-13957 as authorized therein), DOT-SP 13105; any cylinder requalified under H706, and any cylinders manufactured under M5729. This recall order also applies to any person who is in possession of an affected packaging that is subject to this order.
Recycling and Disposal of Compressed Gas Cylinders
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.
High Pressure Cylinders Improperly-Marked with ''A978'' or Month and Year.
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. 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.
Unauthorized Compressed Gas Cylinders in Welding Kits
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.