Texas Company Issues Propane Recall
CPSC said no injuries have been reported, but its recall announcement said consumers should not attempt to test the propane themselves. The recalled propane may not contain sufficient levels of odorant to help alert consumers to a gas leak.
A large recall of propane (LP) gas has been announced by Western Gas Partners LP, of The Woodlands, Texas, because the recalled propane may not contain sufficient levels of odorant to help alert consumers to a gas leak. Failing to detect leaking gas can present fire, explosion, and burn hazards.
The Dec. 28, 2017, recall involves about 45.7 million gallons, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
CPSC said no injuries have been reported, but its recall announcement said consumers should not attempt to test the propane themselves. Instead, consumers who have propane delivered to storage tanks should immediately contact their supplier or Western Gas to determine whether their propane is affected and arrange for a free inspection. If the inspection confirms the propane contains insufficient levels of odorant, Western Gas will promptly arrange for additional odorization or replacement of the under-odorized propane.
Consumers who have purchased a portable cylinder should contact the retailer or call the Western Gas hotline to determine whether their propane may be affected and, if so, return the cylinder to the retailer for a replacement. If consumers do smell even a faint odor of gas or a gas leak, they should immediately leave the building and call 911 or their gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. The announcement says, "Do not light a match, turn on a light or switch on anything electrical" in that case.
The Western Gas toll-free number is 833-444-1451 and operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT weekdays, or email [email protected] or visit www.propaneawareness.com.
The recalled gas was sold to fill customers' storage tanks or sold at retail locations in portable cylinders for use in recreational vehicles, barbecue grills, stoves, and other appliances. Propane tanks that have been inspected for the level of odorant or have been refilled after November 2017 are not affected. The recalled gas was distributed in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, delivered by various companies, and sold by various retailers from April 2015 through October 2017.
The recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process, where companies work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.