BajaNomad

Propane Cylinder Safety Tip

C-Urchin - 12-21-2013 at 11:52 AM

PROPANE Cylinder Safety Tip – Emergency Recall Order !!

If you use portable propane tanks, especially on your boat, please read this.

As I walked by the office of a local marina I noticed the pile of propane cylinders that had just been filled, waiting to be returned to their owners and boats. There were some old tanks that were rusty, others out of safety test date, and even two tanks that were simply unsafe for all of us to be around. These two specific tanks ( LITE CYLINDER CO. ) have been recalled and pulled from service worldwide, but here they were, filled and sitting in the bright sun. I thought I might mention the following brief safety notice for our community.

There is an immediate FEDERAL EMEGENCY RECALL ORDER of over 55,000 manufactured by the “ LITE CYLINDER CO.” due to their leaking of flammable gas and sudden rupturing. These cylinders can best be identified because they are not made from the familiar white metal, but are made from plastic and semi transparent fiberglass. You can actually see the Propane in the tank in its liquid form. Do not fill these and do not use these. This can lead to explosive and fatal consequences for you and all your neighbors.

Pictures of these dangerous cylinders, and the FEDERAL Emergency Recall Order can be found by “googling”  “Hazardous Materials Administration” and “EMERGENCY RECALL ORDER LITE CYLINDERS” .

Links to the official recall follow this safety tip.

SCUBA Tek is a full service SCUBA and gas Laboratory and we are based here in La Paz, BCS. We inspect, test and certify all types of cylinder and tanks, including SCUBA and Propane.  We are the only hydrostatic test facility in this part of Mexico certifying cylinders and tanks for SCUBA, oxygen, propane and other applications. We sell, service and repair all types regulators and valves and rebreathers. And we are Marine Mobile, we can come to your dock or mooring to pick up and deliver.


Wishing everyone a Merry Safe Christmas.
 

SCUBA Tek, La Paz (612) 152-3435

http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/PHMSA/DownloadableFiles...
 
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/menuitem.ebdc7a8a...
 
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/PHMSA/DownloadableFiles...

El Jefe - 12-21-2013 at 12:33 PM

It is my experience getting portable tanks filled at the propane plant outside of town in Mexico that they will fill just about anything they can connect a hose to. I've seen all sorts of small odd shaped and really old looking tanks getting filled. Scary.

So, don't expect the propane suppliers to police the recall.

Pompano - 12-21-2013 at 02:39 PM

El Jefe is right on. If there's a connection to be had, it gets filled. I've witnessed several odd bottles being filled in Baja that would not be legal in the US. Ever noticed how many burn-scarred guys you see working at the Gas depots in Baja? Example. Pepe Yee in Mulege. Brrr...



Just recently while scouring the Oregon Coast in a RV looking for fishing spots, I've filled my 20lb tanks with propane twice..and both times the propane attendant checked my tanks specs closely before filling.

[Edited on 12-24-2013 by Pompano]

Tank Inspection

MrBillM - 12-21-2013 at 03:36 PM

When the law first took effect requiring tanks to be periodically inspected, I took one down to the local provider to do the right thing.

After paying him $25.00 for the "Inspection" (+ the fill), I did my own inspections with a set of Metal Stamps.

AND, never had a single one challenged.

durrelllrobert - 12-21-2013 at 04:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
When the law first took effect requiring tanks to be periodically inspected, I took one down to the local provider to do the right thing.

After paying him $25.00 for the "Inspection" (+ the fill), I did my own inspections with a set of Metal Stamps.

AND, never had a single one challenged.


That's nothing. I've heard that there is a guy on this board that does his own digital prostrate exams and he passes every time. :lol::lol::lol:

mulegemichael - 12-21-2013 at 05:08 PM

really?....digital prostrate exams?...he must have to lay down for those.

vgabndo - 12-21-2013 at 06:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
When the law first took effect requiring tanks to be periodically inspected, I took one down to the local provider to do the right thing.

After paying him $25.00 for the "Inspection" (+ the fill), I did my own inspections with a set of Metal Stamps.

AND, never had a single one challenged.


Why am I not surprised?

I'm Assuming ...............

MrBillM - 12-21-2013 at 07:04 PM

That's a negative thought on VGA's part, but WHY ?

It's STUPID (and costly) to go along with STUPID regulations when you have innovative options.

Bajatripper - 12-23-2013 at 02:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano


Just recently while scouring the Oregon Coast in a RV looking for fishing spots, I've filled my 20lb tanks with propane twice..and both times the propane attendant checked my tanks specs closely before filling.


That certainly doesn't surprise me for Oregon, one of only two states (don't know which the other one is) that won't let you pump your own gasoline. But even with "full service," gasoline is often cheaper than in California.

DavidE - 12-23-2013 at 04:42 PM

Whadd-ya mean?

You get well and truly 'serviced' every time you go to a filling station.

ncampion - 12-23-2013 at 04:53 PM

Keep in mind that propane tanks operate at much lower pressures than scuba tanks or other compressed gas cylinders which have working pressures as high as 3,000 psi. At 80 F the vapor pressure of propane is only 128 psi and even at 110 F it is less than 200 psi. Of course you have to balance that with the fact that propane is flamable.

greengoes - 12-23-2013 at 04:57 PM

Propane Cylinder Safety Tip:

Don't smoke while connecting it to a device or check for leaks with a butane lighter.

Sorry...couldn't resist.

Pompano - 12-23-2013 at 05:09 PM

Hah...this propane thread reminds of a staged photo we took after installing gas lines for lighting throughout a buddy's house on the hill above Posada.

Don't try this at home!!

Top right photo of this collage shows us with a fire extinguisher and lit gas lighter...checking for leaks in the gas line. A fun remembrance and glad I could find this old photo.

It didn't take too much to amuse us in those days. It was enough just to be in Baja.

weebray - 12-23-2013 at 05:15 PM

When was the last time you heard of a propane tank exploding. This sounds like just like a bunch of burro poop fodder for the lawyers. Worry about something else, chances are your tanks are almost safe, maybe, I think so.

Pompano - 12-23-2013 at 05:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by weebray
When was the last time you heard of a propane tank exploding. This sounds like just like a bunch of burro poop fodder for the lawyers. Worry about something else, chances are your tanks are almost safe, maybe, I think so.


The possibility of a propane tank explosion (BLEVE) is extremely remote....although they do produce a pressured flame when breached in a fire...just like these did next to my home in Coyote Bay a few years back. I can still remember the WHOOOSH!...makes you pay good attention.



larryC - 12-24-2013 at 10:05 AM

And as if propane isn't bad enough, as seen in the photos, people like to cover their houses with palm fronds.

Pompano - 12-24-2013 at 10:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by larryC
And as if propane isn't bad enough, as seen in the photos, people like to cover their houses with palm fronds.


You are very correct, larryC. Cheap and easy construction, palm fronds have been the choice for roof construction for as long as there has been fronds and folks needing shelter. These poor folks in Coyote, Posada, Tripui, several homes & ranches in Mulege province, all suffered huge losses in fires that quickly spread from roof top to roof top. Clusters of palm frond roofs do not do well when people get careless....or if an arsonist strikes. Hence most new roofs are made of fireproof material....if the owners can afford it.
Most community developments these days have 'suggestions' about palm frond construction and propane tank operation.

BajaParrothead - 12-24-2013 at 06:38 PM

The Whoosh isn't bad, it's the ping, ping, ping you hear right before the actual BLEVE.
That's when it's time to run. :no: