Lite LPG Gas Bottle Recall

[Belize 43 crew]

We are cruising in the Caribbean and have recently heard about a recall for Lite LPG gas bottles, 10lb and 20lb with reference numbers
DOT-SP-14562, DOT-SP-13957, DOT-SP-13105, M5729 and H706.

The recall is stated as being due to the possibility of "leaking or rupture".

I have also heard that the "Lite" company is no longer trading.

Does anyone have any further information on this problem?

[solarbri]

Yeah, I just received an email from Amazon (where I purchased mine). There is a recall, and its not a super easy deal.

Here is a copy of the email...

Greetings from Amazon.com,

We have recently learned that The Light Cylinder Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is recalling all LPG composite cylinders. Our records indicate that you have purchased one of the composite cylinders listed in this recall through the Amazon.com website.

PHMSA has issued an “Emergency Recall Order” for all LPG composite cylinders manufactured by The Lite Cylinder Company as per the following Emergency Order No. 2013-002. The recall notice specifically identifies those cylinders manufactured under DOT-SP 14562 (and DOT-SP 13957 as authorized therein), DOT-SP 13105, any cylinder re-qualified under H706, and any cylinders manufactured under M5729. All cylinder sizes are involved in this recall: 10#, 20#, 25# and 33#

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.

Under no circumstances should a cylinder affected by this emergency recall order be filled, refilled, or used for the transportation of hazardous materials.
PMSA advises customers to follow the guidelines provided by Light Cylinder Company below regarding the affected product.

To effectively comply with this recall, cylinder owners must:

1. Take proper safeguards in identifying and handling the affected cylinders identified in this order.

2. Cease use of all specified cylinders until notified of DOT response to Petition for Review.

3. Arrange to have all propane gas removed from cylinder. This should only be done by qualified persons, trained in handling cylinders in accordance with Federal regulations. (Note: All propane dispensing agents should meet this criteria.) This person must discharge all gas, purge, and remove the valve per the recall.

4. Return the empty, purged, valve-less cylinders, to the manufacturer, freight prepaid, at:

The Lite Cylinder Company
139 Southeast Parkway Court
Franklin, TN 37064

You may also find additional details about the recall in the PHMSA bulletin at:
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site...gnextfmt=print

If you purchased this for someone else, please notify the recipient immediately and provide them with the information in the PHMSA bulletin concerning these safety issues.

We regret the inconvenience this recall has caused you but trust you will understand that the safety of our customers is our highest priority.

Thanks for shopping at Amazon.com.

Sincerely,

Customer Service
Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

Please note: this e-mail was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.

[FSMike]

Just Google "Lite Cylinder Recall".

[Waterway Guide]

The recall notice was sent to purchasers, but hopefully those who have repurchased, or bought a boat with these tanks onboard, find out about the recall. There apparently have been incidents and injuries (read the recall bulletin linked above), and the company seems to be disputing it -- yet they seem to have taken their website down. Not good.

[Boatguy30]

I had one of the first bunch made and used it till the ring around the valve starting rusting in about 6 months. Was in 2004. Pretty obvious they were not going to be safe for use long term.

[MarkJ]

The company is now in receivership and will not take bottles back.

In the Caribbean the news is far better!

Budget Marine and Island Water World the two big chandleries have made a joint announcement saying Budget Marine and Island Water World will take back Lite gas bttle that they have sold AND sell you a new one at COST or NEAR cost.. saving near 35%. You must have your original receipt/ Proof or purchase


They cant be expected to do better than that and I think they should be congratulated!

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

---

Budget Marine and Island Water World the two big chandleries have made a joint announcement saying Budget Marine and Island Water World will take back Lite gas bttle that they have sold AND sell you a new one at COST or NEAR cost.. ---


They cant be expected to do better than that and I think they should be congratulated!

+1, doesn't help those who bought direct though (like me).

[Cotemar]

Thanks to this thread I found out that I have a Lite LPG tank that is in the recall.

I hope I can exchange it for a new tank.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Thanks to this thread I found out that I have a Lite LPG tank that is in the recall.

I hope I can exchange it for a new tank.

Good luck with that Mark - the company folded.

Mark

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by colemj

Good luck with that Mark - the company folded.

Mark

I have not even used it yet. Purchased it from Defender to upgrade from my 2 small 5 Lbs tanks.

Hoping they may let me exchange for another tank. Will see how this goes.

[conachair]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

The company is now in receivership and will not take bottles back.

In the Caribbean the news is far better!

Budget Marine and Island Water World the two big chandleries have made a joint announcement saying Budget Marine and Island Water World will take back Lite gas bttle that they have sold AND sell you a new one at COST or NEAR cost.. saving near 35%. You must have your original receipt/ Proof or purchase

They cant be expected to do better than that and I think they should be congratulated!

Not much chance they'd pop over the the uk for a swap I suppose.
Oh well, local DIY store it is then.

Ta for the info, was just about to get mine refilled.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by conachair

Ta for the info, was just about to get mine refilled.

If I had one I would just refil it.
Maybe preasure test it fist if you can.

But if its gunna fail it would have. eh?

And the UK wouldnt have heard about the recall.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

If I had one I would just refil it.
....

Yea, go ahead and use it. What could go wrong?

[conachair]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

If I had one I would just refil it.
Maybe preasure test it fist if you can.

But if its gunna fail it would have. eh?

And the UK wouldnt have heard about the recall.

Doubt if I'd sleep to well knowing so many had failed Anyway, local DIY store does them for £30 which is prob worth it to save having to run around borrowing an empty from somewhere to fill it.

Just need to think of a use for the old ones now...

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Yea, go ahead and use it. What could go wrong?

Nothing.

Just fill it to 70% if you can't get it pressure tested.

Remember not everyone can immediately afford 2 x $150 but they still need to eat!

Also remember its not the 10 pound one that has been leaking only the larger ones. Further, the percentage failure rates on the large ones are really quite low. Further, further, they were not exploding... they were leaking. So properly installed they would vent over the side.

Cruisers who must remain in their budget often have to think outside the square. I dont think theres a reason to panic. Put brain into gear first and see if there is a way around the problem.