Propane Tank Valve Recall

DESCRIPTION: The valves can be identified by a red disk on top with the company's name. The recalled SCG Overfill Prevention Devices (OPD) have "V5QA OPD" engraved on the body and handle and either "DT 3.8" or "DT 3.8A" printed on one side of the wrench pad and "07-02," "08-02," or "10-98" printed on the other side. The valves are installed on 20-pound liquid propane gas cylinders manufactured by the Sahamitr Pressure Container Public Co. Ltd. in Thailand. The cylinders are marked "SMPC DOT-4BA240" and have a serial number in the range of 375201 to 396800. There is no hazard with the cylinders. Sold at: Department and hardware stores nationwide sold the gas cylinders with the recalled OPD valves from August 2002 through August 2003 for about $30. Some cylinders also were sold with certain Sunbeam gas grills.

HAZARD: When the cylinder on the gas grill is filled to capacity and exposed to increased temperatures, liquid propane instead of gas vapor can leak out and cause the gas regulator valve to freeze. When the regulator valve thaws, if it has not been turned off, gas will flow to the grill. The resulting build-up of gas in the grill can pose a serious fire or explosion hazard to consumers.

NOTE: All of the valves effected by the recall can be identified by a red disk inscribed with 'SCG MIYAIRI USA' on top.

The model number 'V5QA OPD' will be inscribed on the body and the handle.

"DT 3.8" or "DT 3.8A" will be inscribed on one side of the wrench pad and "07-02," "08-02," or "10-98" will be printed on the other side.

REMEDY: Consumers should stop using the gas cylinders immediately and contact the company. SCG will identify, for callers who have one of the recalled units, a local LP gas exchange center which will replace the cylinder with one that has a new OPD valve. Do not take the LP gas cylinder to an LP gas refiller. Consumers should not attempt to remove the OPD or gas valve themselves.

CONSUMER CONTACT: Call SCG Miyairi at (800) 636-9346 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at www.scgmiyairi.com.