Propane Tanks
NFPA 505 is the Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks developed and published by the National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA505 stipulates the fuel handling and storage standards and procedures for all fuel types including liquid fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) aka propane, compressed natural gas, and industrial storage batteries.
NFPA 58 is the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code developed and published by the National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA 58 includes the standards and procedures for the design, construction, and requalification of DOT (formerly ICC) LPG (propane) fuel cylinders.
How do I get my propane cylinder requalified? My propane gas supplier will not refill my propane tank because it has expired. What do I do?
New DOT propane (LPG) gas cylinders used for forklift truck applications are serviceable for twelve years from the date of manufacture provided that:
- They are inspected prior to each re-filling,
- They are not subjected to fire,
- They have no serious physical damage (dents, gouges, serious corrosion),
- They have no leaks,
- They do not show a reduction in the marked tare weight of five percent or more.
When a cylinder reaches twelve years of age, as indicated by the expiration date stamped into the collar, it must be requalified for continued use in one of the following three ways:
- External visual inspection method.
- Proof pressure method.
- Volumetric expansion method.
The external visual inspection method is the simplest and most economical method. Using this method a DOT cylinder can be requalified for five years. The recorded external visual inspection must be performed by a DOT approved retester who will have an RIN (Retester Identification Number) or VRIN (Visual Retester Identification Number). The cylinder will be marked on the collar with the RIN or VRIN, followed by the date (month and year) of the inspection, followed by the letter "E". Your cost for this inspection will usually be about $10.00 per cylinder.
The proof pressure method is a more expensive hydrostatic pressure test method which can be used to requalify a DOT cylinder for seven years from the date of the test before the next requalification is due.
The volumetric expansion method is also a hydrostatic pressure test method which can be used to requalify a DOT cylinder for twelve years from the date of the test before the next requalification is due.
Some propane gas suppliers are capable of providing the external visual inspection and marking your cylinders with the required retest information and RIN or VRIN. Call us for any assistance you may need to identify a qualified inspector or retester for your DOT propane cylinders.