FYI Lite propane cylinder recall

[P-Dogg]

If anyone is using Lite-brand fiberglass propane cylinders on your boat because they are rust-free, because they are see-through so you can keep an eye on their contents, because they look sleek and stylish, or because I recommended them to you, you need to remove them from service.

http://www.litecylinder.com/


http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PH ... tfmt=print

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fusea ... page/2.cfm

[Big D]

Thanks for posting that.

Plastics have come a long way but there are some things that just shouldn't be made with it. We are so hell-bent on convenience, weight, cost, profits, etc. that we often overlook the obvious and their implications. Just glad nobody got hurt yet.

[Oxblood]

Thanks for posting that.

Plastics have come a long way but there are some things that just shouldn't be made with it. We are so hell-bent on convenience, weight, cost, profits, etc. that we often overlook the obvious and their implications. Just glad nobody got hurt yet.

I read the recall, and I am not so sure it is because of materials. The recall actually cited probable violations of the code governing these containers, and unsafe working conditions:

The emergency order is based on an investigation of Lite Cylinder’s operations and production history that revealed probable violations and unsafe conditions and practices that PHMSA determined present an imminent hazard to the public safety

Has anyone actually heard of a catastrophic failure of these or other similar composit propane tanks?

[Big D]

I realize the scope of the paper. My concern isn't the use of plastic to contain propane, it's the use for this particular application which is for the average consumer that knows nothing about handling the product or its hazards. I've seen the way some handle steel tanks....scary! The product is without a doubt innovative, but I feel a whole lot safer with some of these people handling a steel tank rather than a plastic one. I would be comfortable using one but I am not ignorant about the fuel and am conscious of how I handle things. Time will tell and I am never opposed to change

[P-Dogg]

Because I learned about it through uncleared documents that I received at my work, I can't say too much. I went to the public sites and posted from there, since it was was all public domain. I am unaware (from any source) of catastrophic failures. The issue is leaky tanks. I'll see what the lawyers will let me say and see if I can shed some more light for you.

PHSMA is not OSHA. The unsafe conditions didn't necessarily refer to working conditions. It could have been autoclaves or resins that weren't to spec. OSHA shuts you down for worker safety. The PHSMA violation cited an "imminent hazard to public safety." (not worker safety).

[P-Dogg]

I missed the fine print the first time around. The supporting documents are under "related downloads" on the PHMSA website link below:

http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PH ... tfmt=print

I had trouble opening the links when I clicked on them, but right clicking and selecting "open in new tab" did the trick. The "imminent hazard to public safety" is leaky seams in a pressurized fuel container. They were subject to civil litigation, and didn't inform the government of defective products as is required. Inspectors found that some cylinders that had been manufactured but not shipped (that had gone through the inspection process, so presumably already pressure tested) failed when pressurized to the required amount.

[DCrisp]

A good replacement for the recalled cylinder: Switch to the Clear View propane cylinder by RagascoUSA. They have an unblemished safety record

[Big D]

Forgot all about this post. Came accross an article recently that there were in fact failures and not just working conditions, processes, and design and material concerns.