Propane Tanks & Cylinder Requalification

Tank specifications deserve your attention and contribute to best practices when it comes to propane safety

According to the Propane Education & Research Council, most of today’s propane tanks are built according to specifications laid out by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Cylinder bodies are generally made from aluminum or some kind of alloy steel. Others are made from composite material. Cylinders up to 40 pounds must be fitted with an overfilling-prevention device (OPD). Their cylinder valves are easy to identify, as they are shaped like a modified triangle and say “OPD” on them.

Not all cylinders require an OPD. Following are two exceptions:

cylinders used in industrial truck service
cylinders used for industrial welding and cutting gases

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE Cylinder valves should never be used as a handle when lifting a cylinder. Get more safety tips and learn about the training you can receive from Georgia Gas Distributors.

Markings on the tank’s collar serve as the cylinder’s identification. They include the following:

information for selecting cylinder valves
specification design code
cylinder tare weight (cylinders with the same water capacity can have different tear weights)
water capacity, in pounds (propane capacity is 42% of water capacity)
manufacturer name
test or requalification date

Propane tank requalification is important for keeping your jobs moving smoothly

stacked propane tanks Cylinders must regularly undergo requalification. It should be done only by trained professionals, at a DOT-registered facility.

Requalification must take place within 12 years if the date listed does not include a letter.
Requalification must take place within 7 years if the date listed is accompanied by the letter S.
Requalification must take place within 5 years if the date listed is accompanied by the letter E.

Cylinders will indicate their most recent date of requalification. If they are out of qualification, they should be marked as such and no longer be refilled.

Contact us today to recertify your tank(s) or to find out if your tanks are due for requalification.