Safety warning on vehicle LPG tanks

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, has backed a safety warning issued about liquified petroleum gas tanks fitted to motor vehicles (or retested) between mid 2003 and August 2005.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Mr Chris Pearce, has issued a warning notice under the Trade Practices Act 1974 today. 

"Although there have not been any injuries, since early 2005 there have been incidents of pressure ruptures of LPG tanks on motor vehicles", Mr Samuel said.

"Such ruptures follow a build up of pressure in a tank and can generate very significant forces with the potential for serious injury and damage to property. Most of these incidents involved vehicles with two or more LPG tanks fitted.

"The ruptures follow the safety relief valve—designed to relieve adverse pressure—not functioning correctly, if inadvertently over-tightened during installation.

"It is not known how many LPG powered vehicles may have ineffective tank pressure relief valves, so the ACCC is backing the warning to alert consumers about the possible problem.

"LPG tank rupture incidents to date have involved motor vehicles fitted with dual LPG tanks. The ACCC particularly urges motorists with dual LPG tanks fitted (or retested) between mid 2003 and August 2005 to arrange for a qualified LPG fitter/installer to inspect the tanks and to replace the pressure relief valves, if required.

"If the tank/s have been supplied by Manchester Tank and Equipment Co. and were fitted between August 2003 and April 2005, they are subject to a voluntary recall and the pressure relief valves fitted will be replaced at no cost".