Feds issue LPG safety warning

The Federal Government has issued a safety warning to owners of vehicles converted to LPG between mid-2003 and August 2005, following a number of pressure ruptures to LPG tanks.

Announced on December 21 by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Chris Pearce, the safety warning also applies to owners of vehicles who had their LPG tanks retested during the period.

"Since early 2005, there have been a limited number of pressure ruptures of LPG tanks on motor vehicles, so far without causing any serious injury," said Mr Pearce.

"However, rupture of an LPG tank due to a build up of pressure 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," he said.

According to the Australian government press release, the safety relief valve designed to relieve adverse build-up of pressure in the LPG tank/s may not function as intended, depending on the type of valve used and the torque levels applied during installation.

"If multiple LPG tanks are fitted and the fuel service line to the engine from one tank is closed, so that no fuel is used from that tank and it is maintained as a reserve tank, that tank may gradually overfill and may rupture if the pressure relief valve fails to operate correctly.

"Motorists who had LPG tank installations or tanks retested between mid-2003 and August 2005, in particular if two or more tanks have been fitted, are requested to contact an LPG tank installer/fitting station to arrange an inspection and pressure relief valve replacement if required.

"Vehicle owners should negotiate with the LPG installer/fitting station on an appropriate fee (if any) for any corrective action required.

"If the tank/s are 'Manchester' branded tanks which were fitted between August 2003 and April 2005, these are subject to a voluntary recall and the pressure relief valves fitted will be replaced at no cost."