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.