Propane Tank Recall Issued Due to Fuel Leak, Fire Risk

A recall has been issued for about 7,500 100-pound propane cylinders, which may carry a risk of fuel leaks between the cylinder and valve, posing a fire hazard if exposed to an ignition source. 

The  propane tank recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 9, after the manufacturer noticed the thread connection between the cylinder and the valve can leak fuel and potentially start fires. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported.

The recall includes Manchester Tank & Equipment Company 100-pound Propane Cylinders manufactured from January through September 2012 and measure roughly 41 inches high and 15 inches in diameter. The manufacture date is displayed on the collar of the cylinder and shows the month and year it was produced. 

The recalled propane cylinders are gray in color and have the name “Manchester” and the water capacity “WC238#” imprinted on the collar. Manchester 100-pound propane cylinders with a green dot located on the top of the cylinder are not included in this recall.

The propane tanks were manufactured in the United States by Manchester Tank & Equipment Company, of Elkhart, Indiana and were sold nationwide at various propane distributors, welding equipment stores, and hardware stores such as Ace, True Value, and Tractor Supply from January 2012 through March 2013 for between $140 and $170.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are about 2,410 natural gas home fires and 1,390 propane gas fires every year. Between 2000 and 2004, the NFPA reports that burn injuries from natural gas fires and propane gas home fires resulted in 66 deaths and over 400 injuries.

The CPSC recommends that consumers stop using the recalled propane tanks immediately and contact Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. at (800) 640-6327 or visit their website at www.mantank.com for instructions on having their propane tank inspected and repaired if needed. Consumers may also visit the company’s website for a list of qualified distributors in their area.