Worksite Propane Tank

Inspections

Are you in complianceARE YOU SURE

Propane Bottle Inspects

A fuel that serves us well but it can harm just as quickUnderstanding Propane Cylinders• Propane bottles all have the same operational and safety mechanisms in place that are

required on ASME LP Gas tanks. Bottles are also required to have readable markings identifying them for propane use. All propane cylinders have:

• Relief Valves• Service Valves• Bleeder Valves (Fixed Liquid Level Gauge)• Stamped Markings or Nameplates• Protective Collars (Neck Ring) • Foot RingsPropane Cylinder Care • Propane cylinders must be cared for so that their usable life is extended. Cylinders will last

longer than their normal life expectancy if they are properly maintained and taken care of. It is recommended that propane cylinders be located in a place that they won't be banged or dented such as an area of high traffic or a location prone to flooding or water puddling. Additionally, cylinders that are handled roughly can damage the foot ring or neck ring which will cause the cylinder to be unsuitable for filling and unusable.

• Bottle Corrosion and Rust - Because most consumer propane cylinders are made of steel, they are subject to rust. Rust can lead to pitting in the cylinder exterior and render the cylinder useless if the rust or pitting is excessive. If rust is noticed on the cylinder, a wire brush can be used to remove the rust followed by painting over the spot where rust was removed. The most common place rust is found is on the bottom of the cylinder and around the foot ring of the cylinder so it's important to keep theses areas clean and painted.

• Transporting Cylinders - Propane bottles are usually transported in the back of a truck and more often than not, they are unsecured and free to roll around. Transporting unsupported bottles exposes them to potential damage such as dents and possible harm to the valve. Ensure that cylinders are secured prior to transporting them. In the case of a 20 pound or 30 pound bottle, a milk crate can be used to keep cylinders upright and protected from most damaging effects of transportation.

So what did you check and inspect

The Canadian Government’s Department of Transport to recertify most propane cylinders including these popular

sizes:

• 5 lb. used mostly for camping• 10 lb. used mostly for camping• 20 lb. BBQ size• 30 lb. used on most RV campers• 40 lb. used on some larger RV campers• 50 lb. used for commercial, industrial, cabins & cottage• 60 lb. used for commercial, industrial, cabins & cottages• 100 lb. used for commercial, industrial, cabins & cottages• 200 lb. used for commercial, industrial, cabins & cottages• 420 lb. used for commercial, industrial, cabins & cottages• 20 lb. floor burnisher cylinders• 33.3 lb. forklift cylinders• 43.3 lb. forklift cylinders• Most balloon cylinders• Older 20 lb. and 30 lb. lay down cylinders are not recertifiable.

Propane cylinders must be recertified every 10 years. This means that the relief valve must be replaced and the cylinder must be visually inspected. A new stamp is embedded into the steel collar to show the latest inspection date. In order to replace the relief valve, the cylinder must be completely empty of propane. If the cylinder is not empty when brought to be recertified, the propane must be burnt off. Propane cylinders may not be recertifiable due to excessive rust, pitting, gouging, or denting. Cylinders are not recertifiable if they have been involved in a fire, show signs of bulging, dented welds, or collars or foot rings that are broken or damaged.

As of January 1, 2008, all cylinders with a propane capacity of 45 lb (20kg) or less, manufactured or recertified, must be equipped with an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valve. Cylinders with a propane capacity over 45 lb (20kg) are manufactured and recertified with a POL valve (left hand thread). Cylinders manufactured or recertified before January 1, 2008 will be allowed to be filled until 10 years after their date of manufacture or recertification date.

Propane appliance tanks that are permanently mounted to vehicles or structures do not have to be recertified but they must be visually inspected every time they are filled to ensure that they are acceptable for use.

Automotive tanks used for motor fuel must be inspected and recertified every 5 years at a government approved facility.

PROPANE CYLINDER MARKINGS

Typical recertification stamp:MM XXX YY E

MM -> 2 digit recertification monthXXX ->3 character Re-qualifier’s registration numberYY -> 2 digit recertification yearE ->States the cylinder has been externally examined

WC -> Water capacity of the cylinder.TW -> Tare weight of the cylinder (what the tank weighs empty)ICC, DOT, BTE, CTC or TC -> Specification number eg. TC4BA24010 89 -> Date of manufacture (October. 1989)

Transport

Before you couple did you inspect the hoses and regulators for leaks

Pending the USE what did you inspect and how was it noted!

So tell me again what did you inspect and show me the date of

your tanks