Re: [VAC] Dear List.....

[Lashway <rlashway@xxxxxxxx>]

P Tanks 
	A new regulation about  LP gas tanks went quietly into effect on 1 Oct. 
of 1998 which does not permit your LP dealers to  recertify  existing LP 
tanks.  Certification involves testing for leaks, rust, and general 
safety of your tanks.    Tanks 12 years and older or  tanks 5 years from 
the last certification require recertification under old rules. LP 
dealers are not supposed to fill  tanks that are not  properly certified. 
   Your tanks are date stamped with your last certification date at the 
top of the tank.  
	This new certification limitation is the precursor to a regulation  
effective  1 April, 2002,  that requires all tanks to have a new OPC  
(Overfill Protective Device ) service valve on them or they cannot be 
filled.  	The purpose of the OPC valve is to improve  safety  but  they 
appear to also need  more  maintenance and care.    For example: The 
current way of purging  an existing  tank is  a simple method  that  
takes a few minutes and  is free at   your LP dealer.   With the new 
valve it  can  take an hour or more and will probably require a fee, to 
say nothing of the inconvenience.
	
If your tanks were recertified in 1977 they should be good for 5 yrs and 
you will need to add new OPD valves by  Arpil 2002.

Roy