Propane cylinders recalled for faulty valve seals The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (August 30, 2000 6:58 p.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - A North Carolina firm is recalling 4,700 propane cylinders after finding the cylinder valves may have missing or damaged internal seals, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Wednesday.

R4 Technical Center North Carolina LLC of Hamptonville said the company has not received any reports of injuries, but a propane leak can pose a risk of fire, explosion and burn injuries.

These cylinders have a sleeve over the tank with the writing "Blue Rhino" and a drawing of a blue rhinoceros. The recalled cylinders have either three stars in a triangular shape under the top knob of the valve or the writing "B-75-3" on the side of the valve.

Home, department and hardware stores sold these propane cylinders from May through July 2000 for about $40 to $60 for a tank or $13 to $16 for a tank exchange. They were sold in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida and Mississippi.

The commission advises consumers with the recalled valves should check for leaks by following the "Connection Instructions" on the cylinder's label. If the valve is leaking, turn it off immediately and contact R4 Technical Center at 866-802-4492 or Blue Rhino at 800-258-7466 for a free replacement cylinder.

http://www.nandotimes.com/business/story/0,1032,500245354-500363498-502141170-0,00.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 01, 2000