CPB Home Press Releases Consumer Links Search       Contact: Deborah Sturm Rausch  518.473.9472|518.474.2896 For Immediate Release: July 2, 2009 Barbeque Propane Tank Refills Spark Concerns and Safety Advice from the NYS Consumer Protection Board as the July 4th Holiday Approaches The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is reminding consumers who thought they were getting a full tank of propane gas for their grills to check to be sure. According to a May 22, 2009 report from the Associated Press (AP), when oil prices increased in 2008, propane suppliers reduced the amount of gas pumped into each 20-pound tank by two pounds without posting the change or conspicuously alerting shoppers in an effort to avoid raising prices. Some companies also exchanged the size of the tanks they provide to consumers who obtain refills, converting them to 15-pounders instead of the earlier version 20-pound tanks. “Consumers have the right to know what they’re paying for,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “The CPB strongly advocates for transparency in the marketplace, as sometimes consumers are not provided with all the facts they need to make informed decisions. While we continue to work with the business community to enhance protections and the amount of information provided to us, it is imperative that shoppers pay close attention to deals and offers to make sure they are getting their money’s worth.” The CPB is advising consumers to: Check the size of their propane tank before exchanging it for a new one to avoid spending the same amount of money for a smaller tank than the one being exchanged; Weigh their tanks before leaving home and then again after refueling; Inspect cylinders for dents, damage, rust or leaks to be sure they are safe. (Exchanged tanks will come with an inspection sticker that should state when this inspection occurred.) HOW TO TELL IF A PROPANE TANK IS FULL The only real way to tell if a propane cylinder is full is to weigh it. But there is a trick to weighing it, because, according to the web-based Propane 101, the cylinder capacity is determined by two things: water capacity (WC) and tare weight (TW). The WC shows how much water the propane bottle can hold in pounds, and this amount is stamped on the outside of every tank. The TW is the weight of an empty canister, and is also displayed on the tank. For example, on a 20-pound tank which is normally used for a gas grill, the numbers shown would typically be “WC 47.8, TW 18.” By referring to a standard chart used by the industry (shown at right) a person will be able to determine that 47.8 pounds of water converts to 20 pounds of propane. Therefore, when a 20-pound cylinder is weighed, the scale would have to read 38 pounds (20 lbs + 18 lbs = 38 lbs) for it to be full. There are safety codes in place to protect people from overfilling propane tanks. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Pamphlet 58 - LP-Gas Code, 1998 Edition, refillable gas propane tanks such as those typically used on gas grills, must now be equipped with an overfill prevention device (OPD) in order to be refilled. This safety regulation applies to refillable gas cylinders with a capacity of between 4 and 40 pounds. The NFPA reports that the new OPD valves make filling and using gas cylinders safer, as the older models are more susceptible to overfilling, leaving no room for liquid propane to expand. During the expansion, gas may escape and create a potentially hazardous situation. The U.S. Fire Administration has stated that approximately 6,500 fires occur each year as a result of grilling, and of these, more than 70% happen in residential settings. Therefore, after filling or exchanging your cylinder, the CPB recommends taking it home immediately in a well- ventilated vehicle, making sure that the valve is closed, plugged or capped in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you arrive at home, the CPB advises following some simple safety rules when using a gas grill. Gas grill users should: Read and follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions, saving manuals and written information for future reference. Make sure grill controls and propane cylinder tank valves are turned off when the grill is not in use. Check for possible leaks before lighting the grill. If you think it’s leaking, consult a professional and replace any damaged parts before using it. Store cylinders which are not being used in an upright position and outdoors. The National Propane Gas Association recommends against storing propane cylinders in locations where it will be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.) Keep your grill on a non-flammable surface, and make sure it has cooled off before covering it for storage. Not grill within ten feet of anything that can catch fire, including buildings, trees, tall grass or bushes. Clean your gas grill regularly, including the tubes, to avoid clogs and gas flow interruption, and remove any excess grease to avoid build-up. Never smoke while handling a propane cylinder. Not permit children to tamper or play with the propane tank or grill. Call the fire department immediately in the event of an uncontrollable release of gas or a fire. “This Fourth of July, the CPB is reminding consumers to use care and caution when grilling,” said Chairperson Bockstein. “Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, make sure that safety is your number one priority. The CPB’s safety precautions can help prevent your holiday from going up in smoke.” In preparation for the July 4th holiday, the CPB recommends that consumers check our website for additional grilling and barbeque safety tips found at http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/pdf/bbq_2008.pdf, our food safety resources found at http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/food_basket.htm, and our seasonal safety section http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/seasonal_safety.htm, as well as other information. Additional information and resources may be accessed through the homepage at www.nysconsumer.gov. The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State’s top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB’s core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call” law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies. To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important consumer safety information.