For Immediate Release
August 15, 2002
Release # 02-230
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1184
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Cavagna's Recall Hotline: (866) 422-8246
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," "99.16," "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.
These safety relief valves are not used for smaller propane tanks, such as
those used for home gas grills.