CPSC, AmeriGas Propane L.P. Announce Recall of Propane Cylinders

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AmeriGas Propane L.P., of Valley Forge, Pa., is recalling about 100 propane cylinders sold or exchanged at The Home Depot or Meijer’s stores in the Detroit, Mich., area. Of these cylinders, about 10 could be overfilled, which can cause them to release flammable propane gas unexpectedly, posing a risk of fires and explosions.

On July 19, 2000, some of the overfilled cylinders vented propane and ignited, causing an explosion at the AmeriGas plant in Willoughby, Ohio. One worker suffered minor burns. No consumer injuries have been reported. After investigating the source of the overfilled cylinders, AmeriGas determined the only AmeriGas office which delivered possibly overfilled cylinders to retail stores was its Trenton, Mich., office. No other AmeriGas location released overfilled cylinders to retailers or customers.

Home Depots and Meijer’s stores in the Detroit, Mich., area sold or exchanged these propane cylinders on July 17 through July 19. An AmeriGas "Prefilled Propane Xchange" or "PPX"® gas grill cylinder is white, and at the time of purchase, had a shrink-wrapped sleeve around it with the names "AmeriGas" and "PPX" on it. The cylinders sold for between $44 and $48 and cost between $13 and $14 for an exchange.

Consumers who purchased or exchanged one of these AmeriGas barbecue propane cylinders should not use their gas grills or other appliances, and should not disconnect or transport the cylinder. Consumers should call the AmeriGas toll-free hotline immediately at (888) 428-9779 anytime for instructions on getting their gas cylinder inspected, and replaced if needed.