The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·00173·Announced 2000-08-30

Blue Rhino propane cylinders recalled due to potential fire and explosion risks

R4 Technical Center is recalling 4,700 Blue Rhino propane cylinders because missing or damaged internal seals may allow propane to leak, posing fire and explosion hazards.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire, explosion, burn injuries) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

R4 Technical Center - North Carolina LLC is recalling approximately 4,700 Blue Rhino propane cylinders. The recalled cylinders feature a sleeve with the "Blue Rhino" name and a blue rhinoceros drawing. Identification marks include either three stars arranged in a triangular shape under the top knob of the valve or the writing "B-75-3" on the side of the valve.

The recall is due to a defect where the cylinders may have missing or damaged internal seals in the cylinder valves. This defect can cause propane to leak, creating a risk of fire, explosion, and burn injuries. R4 Technical Center has not received any reports of injuries related to this defect.

These cylinders were sold from May 2000 through July 2000 at home centers, discount department stores, hardware stores, and gas stations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, and Mississippi. Prices ranged from about $40 to $60 for a tank or $13 to $16 for a tank exchange. Consumers should check for leaks by following the "Connection Instructions" on the cylinder's label. If the valve is leaking, consumers should turn it off immediately and call R4 Technical Center toll-free at (866) 802-4492 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement cylinder. If the toll-free number is inaccessible, consumers may contact Blue Rhino at (800) 258-7466.

The recalled product

Product
Blue Rhino propane cylinders
Manufacturer
R4 Technical Center - North Carolina LLC, of Hamptonville, N.C.
Category
Consumer Product — Propane Cylinders
Hazard
Affected units
4,700

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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