Recall: Propane Cylinders Recalled by R4 Technical Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2000 Release # 00-173

R4 Recall Hotline: (866) 802-4492 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC, R4 Technical Center Announce Recall of Propane Cylinders

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), R4 Technical Center - North Carolina LLC, of Hamptonville, N.C., is recalling 4,700 propane cylinders. These cylinders can have missing or damaged internal seals in the cylinder valves. Propane can leak, posing a risk of fire, explosion and burn injuries.

R4 Technical Center has not received any reports of injuries.

These propane 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 arranged in a triangular shape under the top knob of the valve or the writing "B-75-3" on the side of the valve.

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

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 call the R4 Technical Center toll-free at (866) 802-4492 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement cylinder. If you cannot access the toll-free number from your calling area, contact Blue Rhino at (800) 258-7466.