Railroad Commissioners: “After Wildfires, Replace or Have Propane Containers Evaluated Before Use”

AUSTIN ––Texas Railroad Commissioners announced today that if a propane storage container has been involved in one of the state’s recent wildfires, it must be replaced or evaluated by a licensed propane supplier before use.

The Railroad Commission oversees Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas safety in Texas, which includes the safety of propane containers used for supplying fuel to homes and businesses, as well as portable propane cylinders, such as those used with barbecue grills and on recreational vehicles.

“Don’t take any chances,” said Chairman Elizabeth Ames Jones. “Even if your propane tank looks unscathed there might be damage not visible to the eye. Have your propane dealer check out the container before using it after a fire.”

Commissioner David Porter said, “Safety is paramount and any propane container that shows excessive denting, bulging, gouging, or corrosion must be removed from service according to the Commission’s LP gas safety rules.”

Commissioner Barry T. Smitherman said, “For those who rely on propane to fuel their homes or businesses, and have been involved in a wildfire or any fire, these stationary containers must be retested, and all container relief valves, shutoff valves and gauges must be replaced.

Before propane containers can be used after a fire, Railroad Commission safety rules require propane suppliers to determine the safety of these containers prior to refilling them. Also, aluminum propane cylinders and composite (non-metallic) cylinders involved in a fire must be permanently removed from propane service under RRC rules.
Steel cylinders involved in fires and manufactured to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, such as cylinders that that supply barbecue grills, must be evaluated by the manufacturer or by a repair facility approved by DOT.

For more tips to safeguard your propane-fueled home visit www.propane.tx.gov or call the Railroad Commission’s Alternative Energy Division at (800) 64-CLEAR.