PHMSA-2011-0328 (Notice No. 11-15): Safety Advisory: Unauthorized Marking of Compressed Gas Cylinders

SUMMARY: This is to notify the public that PHMSA has confirmed that Spears Fire & Safety, 287 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI improperly requalified and marked high pressure compressed gas cylinders. During a recent investigation, PHMSA determined that between November 2008 and October 2011, Spears Fire & Safety requalified and marked with a Requalifier Identification Number (RIN) "B037" approximately 7,740 DOT specification cylinders after its authority to requalifiy high pressure cylinders expired on October 31, 2008. Additionally the investigation revealed that during this period, Spears Fire & Safety (1) failed to condemn cylinders with a permanent expansion greater than 10% of total expansion, (2) on multiple occasions did not maintain the minimum test pressure for the required time and (3) improperly repeated pressure tests on cylinders required to be condemned. Cylinders that have not been properly requalified and marked in accordance with the HMR may not be filled with compressed gas or other hazardous materials.

DATES: n/a

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (1) Spears Fire & Safety, Mr. Robert Pate, Manager, 287 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI, Telephone (734) 663-4133. (2) For PHMSA, Mr. Tim Buffum, Investigator, Central Region, Office Of Hazardous Materials Safety, Field Operations, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation, 2300 East Devon Avenue Suite 478, Des Plaines, IL 60018, Telephone (847) 294-8580, Fax (847) 294-8590