Monday, October 28, 2019
(October 28, 2019) — Due to an increasing number of reported leaks with Overfill Protection Device (OPD) valves on consumer propane cylinders has necessitated a code change to NFPA 58, effective January 2020.
The change in the 2020 NFPA 58 code requires the inspection of the face seal on OPD valves. It is important that this be communicated to anyone who is filling propane cylinders or taking the Dispensing Propane Safely program. Below is a link to download a one-sheet Inspection Guide to help you identify cylinder valve defects and understand the new code requirements.
Please notify your staff of the code change that becomes effective January 2020 .
NFPA 58 2020 Edition section 7.2.2.7: Prior to filling a cylinder, the face seal on CGA 791 and 793 connections shall be visually inspected for defects (e.g., cracking, gouging, tearing, roping, etc.). If a defect on the face seal is found, the cylinder MUST NOT be filled.
What it means
If you are filling a propane cylinder with either of these valves, the face seal needs to be inspected prior to filling.
Why it changed
If you dispense propane into a cylinder with a damaged face seal, you may experience connection leaks, property damage, or personal injury. A cylinder with a damaged face seal is also a potential source of leakage to a customer that connects it to an appliance.
What you can do
Click here to download and share the document with your dispenser operators. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Eric Kuster, vice president of safety, education and compliance at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 202-452-8975 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The change in the 2020 NFPA 58 code requires the inspection of the face seal on OPD valves. It is important that this be communicated to anyone who is filling propane cylinders or taking the Dispensing Propane Safely program. Below is a link to download a one-sheet Inspection Guide to help you identify cylinder valve defects and understand the new code requirements.Please notify your staff of the code change that becomes effective January 2020 .
NFPA 58 2020 Edition section 7.2.2.7: Prior to filling a cylinder, the face seal on CGA 791 and 793 connections shall be visually inspected for defects (e.g., cracking, gouging, tearing, roping, etc.). If a defect on the face seal is found, the cylinder MUST NOT be filled.
What it means
If you are filling a propane cylinder with either of these valves, the face seal needs to be inspected prior to filling.
Why it changed
If you dispense propane into a cylinder with a damaged face seal, you may experience connection leaks, property damage, or personal injury. A cylinder with a damaged face seal is also a potential source of leakage to a customer that connects it to an appliance.
What you can do
Click here to download and share the document with your dispenser operators. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Eric Kuster, vice president of safety, education and compliance at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 202-452-8975 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
