2020 NFPA 58 requires face seal inspection

The 2020 NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code will require propane marketers to inspect the face seal on overfill protection device (OPD) valves, effective January 2020.

This is a 20-pound cylinder with an OPD valve and face seal that is in good condition. Photo courtesy of the Propane Education & Research Council

The 2020 edition of NFPA 58, section 7.2.2.7, says, “Prior to filling a cylinder, the face seal on CGA 791 and 793 connections shall be visually inspected for defects.” Defects include racking, gouging, tearing, roping, etc. If a defect on the face seal is found, the cylinder must not be filled.

Inspections must be made prior to filling a cylinder, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) explains.

Dispensing propane into a cylinder with a damaged face seal, PERC says, may cause connection leaks, property damage or personal injury. A cylinder with a damaged face seal is also a potential source of leakage to a customer who connects it to an appliance.

If a cylinder is found to have any damage to this valve, PERC advises the owner to remove the cylinder from service.

PERC has released a face seal inspection guide that includes examples of 20-pound cylinders with OPD valves and face seals in good condition and photos of ones that are damaged.