Non-compliance in LPG cylinders regulators and valves ‘pose a serious risk’ – Consumer Authority

During the past few months the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) carried out tests on regulators and valves used on LPG cylinders placed on the Maltese market. 

“Tested samples returned dimensional non-compliances,” it said, and adding that following risk-assessments on the received results, “MCCAA came to the conclusion that some of the non-compliances pose a serious risk to consumers.”

MCCAA is ordering a recall of the TPA Butane LR2522 and Liquicontrol Malta regulators (photos of which are attached). Moreover MCCAA has found that most of the regulators found on the Maltese market are suitable for use of ‘Butane’ gas only and not of ‘LPG’ gas, which is the gas supplied locally.

“Hence MCCAAhas ordered those supplying these regulators to ensure that the products found on the market are suitable for use with the type of gas supplied locally,” the Authority said.

Liquigas has already announced its intention to replace its regulators to consumers free of charge.

MCCAA is in contact with the importers of other regulators to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to safeguard their consumers. MCCAA reserves the right to impose other sanctions on the importers and distributors as contemplated in the Product Safety Act (Cap. 419) that, in its opinion, are effective, dissuasive and proportionate to the risk/s involved.

MCCAA reiterated that the general public should:

A) ensure that the regulator being used on their system is suitable for the type of gas supplied. All regulators are marked according to the type of gas they are designed to work upon. The gas used in Malta is ‘Liquified Petroleum Gas’ (LPG). Consumers should ensure that the regulator they have is suitable to work on LPG. Regulators which are marked with ‘Butane’ should not be used on LPG cylinders;

B) to follow the Malta Resources Authority (MRA) guidelines, namely to replace aged regulators as recommended by the manufacturer, and use appropriate flexible hoses that have an expiry date printed on them. Normal water hoses should NEVER be used. Flexible hoses should be secured to the regulator nozzle with hose clips.

MCCAA also reminds consumers that should they encounter any problem with the cylinders and/or valves, they should immediately contact the pertinent operator whose contact details are required by law to be imprinted on the gas cylinders.