
				Pat Quinn, Governor

Agency Links

Info Centers

To report
environmental
emergencies
only, call the
Illinois Emergency
Management Agency
800-782-7860
217-782-7860
(24 hrs/day)

Environmental Progress - Winter 2002

Propane Tank Refill Safety Devices Required After April 1

Overfill prevention devices will
make refilling safer, easier

OPD valve identification showing shape of new handle and location of identifying markings

Overflow prevention devices like this will be mandatory soon on all refilled propane tanks.

Effective April 1, 2002, refillable gas cylinders must be equipped with an overfill prevention device (OPD) in order to be refilled. The new safety regulation applies to refillable gas cylinders manufactured before Sept. 30, 1998, that are four pounds (1.8 kg) through 40 pounds (18 kg) in capacity. The new OPD valves prevent overfilling of gas cylinders, making filling and using gas cylinders safer. They are compatible with current gas appliances so it is easy to upgrade.

Cylinders that must be retrofitted with an OPD valve can be taken either to a propane marketer or to a local cylinder exchange cabinet. Most exchange companies allow upgrades to a newer cylinder for a modest upgrade fee.

Cylinders more than 12 years old must be requalified before they can be refilled. They will be retrofitted with an OPD valve at the time of requalification. The date of manufacture can be found on the upper collar of 20 pound cylinders.

Older style valves were more susceptible to overfilling, which leaves no room for the liquid propane to expand. As a result gas may escape, creating a potentially hazardous situation.