[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 218 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60746-60747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29720]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration
[Notice 97-13]


Safety Advisory: Unauthorized Cans Used to Package and Transport 
HC-12a, a Liquefied Petroleum Gas

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Safety advisory notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This is to notify the public that cans labeled as DOT-2Q 
containing HC-12a, a liquefied petroleum gas, packaged and 
distributed by OZ Technology, Inc. (OZ), Rathdrum, Idaho are 
unauthorized for the packaging and transportation of HC-12a, 
and that tests on these cans show that they may fail at ambient 
temperatures normally encountered in transportation. Failure of cans 
containing a liquefied petroleum gas could result in serious personal 
injury, death, and property damage.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond L. LaMagdelaine, Chief, 
Special Investigations, telephone (202) 366-4700, Office of Hazardous 
Materials Enforcement, Research and Special Programs Administration, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street S.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20590-0001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) 
(49 CFR Parts 171-180) authorize certain specification containers for 
liquefied petroleum gas. A specification DOT-2Q container may be used 
if quantity and pressure limits are met. Specification DOT-2Q cans, 
when not equipped with a pressure relief device, are authorized to 
transport liquefied petroleum gas with a vapor pressure not exceeding 
35 p.s.i.g. at 70 deg. F. and 100 p.s.i.g. at 130 deg. F. (49 CFR 
173.304(d)(3)(ii)). The cans used by OZ to package HC-12 have 
no pressure relief device. According to the OZ Material Safety Data 
Sheet (MSDS), the vapor pressure of HC-12a is 72 p.s.i.g. at 
70 deg. F. Therefore, a DOT-2Q can is not authorized for shipment of 
HC-12a.
    When a DOT-2Q can is authorized, the HMR require that ``[e]ach 
completed container filled for shipment must have been heated until 
contents reached a minimum temperature of 130 deg. F., without evidence 
of leakage, distortion, or
    defect.'' (49 CFR 173.304(d)(3)(ii) Note 1). RSPA had 18 cans of 
HC-12a tested by an independent test laboratory. Of the 18 
cans tested, six cans burst (i.e., the valve assembly separated from 
the can), three leaked,

[[Page 60747]]

and seven distorted. All 18 cans tested were over-pressurized at 
70 deg. F. and those cans that did not leak or burst prior to 130 deg. 
F were also over-pressurized.
    A person who possesses a can of HC-12a described in this 
safety notice should ensure that the can is not offered for 
transportation or transported and that it is stored in a cool or 
refrigerated location. If you have further questions, please contact 
Mr. LaMagdelaine.

    Issued in Washington, D.C. on November 5, 1997.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 97-29720 Filed 11-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P