[Federal Register: August 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 155)]
[Notices]               
[Page 47273-47274]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12au05-143]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-2005-20104 (Notice No. 05-06)]

 
Safety Advisory: Manufacture, Marking, and Sale of Substandard 
Compressed Gas Cylinders

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Safety advisory notice.

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SUMMARY: This is to notify the public that PHMSA and the Office of the 
Inspector General (OIG) are investigating the manufacture, marking, and 
sale of high pressure DOT exemption cylinders made and/or distributed 
by Global Composites International, Inc. (GCI), Ontario, CA. PHMSA and 
the OIG have evidence that suggests GCI manufactured, marked, 
certified, and sold an undetermined number of high-pressure DOT 
exemption carbon fiber filament cylinders when the cylinders had not 
been manufactured in accordance with the Hazardous Materials 
Regulations (HMR), DOT-E 12695, and the design qualification standards 
incorporated into the exemption. The evidence suggests that some of 
these cylinders were not wrapped with a sufficient number of carbon 
fiber layers to insure their structural integrity. In addition, the 
evidence suggests that many of these cylinders did not undergo the 
complete series of safety tests and inspections required by the HMR and 
may not possess the structural integrity to safely contain its contents 
under pressure during normal transportation and use. Extensive property 
damage, serious personal injury, or death could result from rupture of 
a cylinder.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond L. LaMagdelaine, Chief Special 
Investigations, Office of Hazardous Materials Enforcement, Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 7th Street SW., Room 7104, Washington DC, 20590. 
Telephone: (202) 366-4700.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Through its investigation, PHMSA and the OIG 
believe that GCI manufactured, marked, certified and sold an 
undetermined number of high-pressure carbon fiber wrapped cylinders 
owned by commercial entities and the private consumer. Among others, we 
believe many of these may be in use by paint ball enthusiasts. DOT 
recommends that any person possessing a cylinder manufactured by Global 
Composites International, Inc. (GCI) and marked with exemption number 
DOT-E 12695 take the cylinder to a qualified refilling station and have 
the pressure relieved from the cylinder. The cylinder is no longer 
authorized for use. Refilling stations and cylinder requalification 
facilities are advised that DOT-E 12695 has been suspended and these 
cylinders may not be refilled or requalified for service.
    This safety advisory covers all high-pressure DOT exemption 
cylinders manufactured by Global Composites International, Inc. and 
marked with DOT exemption number DOT-E 12695

[[Page 47274]]

These cylinders may pose a safety risk to the public and should be 
considered unsafe for use in hazardous materials service. Furthermore, 
cylinders described in this safety advisory should not be filled with a 
hazardous material.

    Issued in Washington, DC on August, 2005.
Robert A. McGuire,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 05-16022 Filed 8-11-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-60-P