Action
Safety advisory notice.
Summary
This is to notify the public that RSPA is investigating the unauthorized marking of high-pressure compressed gas cylinders. On May 21, 1996, a RSPA inspector conducted a compliance inspection at American Oxygen Company, 609 East 2nd Street, Roswell, New Mexico. Numerous compressed gas cylinders were observed, and it was discovered that significant numbers were marked with an expired Retester Identification Number (RIN). Based on that RIN marking and the inspector's observations, RSPA believes that many of these cylinders may not have been retested in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171-180) (HMR). Failure to properly conduct a hydrostatic retest can result in cylinders which otherwise should be condemned being returned to service. The HMR require that properly tested cylinders which exceed the allowable 10 percent permanent expansion must be condemned and removed from service (49 CFR 173.34(e)(6)(I)(D)). Serious personal injury, death, and property damage could result from the rupture of a cylinder. Cylinders which have not been retested in accordance with the HMR may not be charged or filled with a hazardous material.