Thought I'd pass this along.

NPGA Safety Alert

The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned of a National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Safety Alert that discusses the dangers to Emergency Services Sector (ESS) to personnel from propane cylinders damaged by anhydrous ammonia.

According to the NPGA, methamphetamine manufacturers are using propane cylinders to store anhydrous ammonia. If the brass valve in a propane cylinder comes into contact with anhydrous ammonia, the resulting deterioration leads to cracking of the valve body or its components and can ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder, "causing personal injury or death." Cylinders damaged by anhydrous ammonia have been found in many states at cylinder exchange and refilling locations, and in hotel rooms and mobile laboratories where illegal substances are often manufactured.

The presence of blue-green stains on any brass portion of a propane cylinder's service valve is evidence that it may have been in contact with anhydrous ammonia. A strong odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder is also an indicator. If a suspect cylinder is found, the association recommends exercising extreme caution and restricting access to the location. It strongly cautions first responders that it can be dangerous to move a cylinder if the integrity of its service valve is in question. If a damaged cylinder must be moved, NPGA advises pointing the valve end of the cylinder away from personnel and towards a safe direction.

The NPGA safety alert with photos of damaged valves can be examined at: http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529.