Recall: Safety Relief Valves for Large Propane Tanks Recalled by Cavagna North America Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 15, 2002 Release # 02-230

Cavagna's Recall Hotline: (866) 422-8246 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Cavagna North America Inc., Announce Recall of Safety Relief Valves for Large Propane Tanks

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cavagna North America Inc., of Branchburg, N.J., is recalling about 6,100 safety relief valves manufactured by Omeca, of Bresia, Italy. These valves, imported by Cavagna, are designed to relieve excess pressure in large propane tanks, typically the 500- to 1,000-gallon size. The recalled valves can have sharp internal edges that can cut into gasket seals in the valves, causing a propane gas leak. This poses a risk of fire or burn injuries.

Cavagna has received 18 reports of leaking valves. No fires or injuries have been reported.

The valves, model 66-1031, are approximately 7-inches long. Writing on the valve reads "OMECA 66-1031." Only valves that contain year and batch codes of "99.02," "99.10", "99.16," "99.27," or "99.28" are included in the recall. The valves from these batch codes were installed on tanks that were refurbished or manufactured after May 1999.

The valves were sold to propane processors and distributors nationwide from May 1999 through May 2002 for between $10 and $15.

LP distributors, LP tank owners and propane gas users with recalled valves should immediately contact Cavagna to schedule an appointment to have the safety relief valve replaced at no charge. For more information, contact Cavagna toll-free at (866) 422-8246 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.