Dot releases warnings about hazardous refrigerant cylinders

Washington – the US Department of Transport (DOT) and the Safety Administration of Hazardous Materials (PHMSA) have published a advisory notification that warns contractors, consumers, retailers, shippers and others to see before delivery.

Cylinders should have the correct DOT markings or the United Nations (UN) and follow the rules of dangerous materials to transport.

PHMSA has released safety advice to draw attention to businesses that fill and deliver gas cylinders that do not meet the safety rules. These unauthorized cylinders can be dangerous, which will damage property, serious injuries or even death. PHMSA has found that several cases of empty cylinders are sold to consumers, shippers and technicians for HVAC and technicians who were not manufactured before the DOT or UN standard and have no certification marking.

Unlike cylinders made by DOT specifications or UN standards, these cylinders are not intended for safe maintenance and transportation of hazardous materials. Phmsa found that most of these cylinders come from companies outside the US, and that these companies have not properly noted or certified as suitable for the maintenance of hazardous materials. In addition to the inherent risks of security, filling unauthorized cylinders is punishable by civil punishment and/or criminal prosecution.

Warnington-only American manufacturer of many steel cylinders used in HVACR has encouraged contractors and other pressure users to follow PHMSA advice on dangerous cylinders produced mainly by non-US companies.

“We are grateful for the work of Phmsa to keep the Americans safe, and we share the agency’s concern about the distribution of inappropriate cylinders that make their way to our country and all over our country,” said Joe Hayek, President and CEO General. “There is significant evidence that companies in China and other countries undermine DOT cylinder quality and safety standards, which have been followed by Wortington for over 50 years. The sale of inappropriate cylinders and the delivery of dangerous material in these cylinders without the necessary markings creates the risks of safety that need to be resolved. ”

If the unauthorized cylinder has been purchased but not filled, Phmsa advises the owner to return the empty cylinder to the point of sale. If the unauthorized cylinder has been purchased and filled, the owner must enlist the licensed and trained equipment from the DEC to dispose of the cylinder.