I came across this article about the use of Propane Tanks by Crank Heads to make Crystal Meth. I believe this is very important to spread the word on this.
Title: Propane Tank Alert
DATE: June 2008
ACTIVITY CODE:01.129 FF Safety: Firefighter Safety / ISO
Propane Tanks after Meth Lab Use! Be Alert for this.
Meth cooks are getting propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart,
Kroger, gas stations, etc. and emptying them of the propane. They are filling
them with anhydrous ammonia (which is used in their meth recipe). After
they are finished with them, they return them to the store.
They are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to
buy. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the
tank. It can be extremely dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to
our grills, etc.
You should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue
around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse to purchase that one." If you
suspect you already have one of these tanks, don't touch it. Notify the
fire dept, DEA, or HazMat Emergency Response Unit immediately for
disposition.
Check out the following website for more details. They also
Have pictures showing what contaminated tank valve might look like.
Keep and fill your own propane tanks...
Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Alert - National Propane Gas Association
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Anhydrous ammonia and propane cylinders
SAFETY ALERT
INTRODUCTION: Readers of this bulletin should consult the law of their individual jurisdictions for codes, standards and legal requirements applicable to them. This bulletin merely suggests methods which the reader may find useful in implementing applicable codes, standards and legal requirements. This material is not intended nor should it be construed (1) to set forth procedures which are the general custom or practice in the propane industry; (2) to establish the legal standards of care owed by propane distributors to their customers; or (3) to prevent the reader from using different methods to implement applicable codes, standards or legal requirements. The National Propane Gas Association assumes no liability for reliance on the contents of this bulletin. It is offered as a guide only to assist expert and experienced teachers and managers in training in service personnel in their organizations. Caution!
The brass valve in a propane cylinder will be damaged if it comes in contact with anhydrous ammonia. This deterioration will lead to cracking of the valve body or its components and can ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder, causing personal injury or death.
Background and Recommended Action
It has come to the attention of the National Propane Gas Association that propane cylinders are being used in the manufacturing of Methamphetamines. This drug is commonly referred to as 'crank'. Manufacturers of this illegal substance are using propane cylinders for the storage and the use of anhydrous ammonia. These cylinders have been found in many states at cylinder exchange and refilling locations as well as in hotel rooms and mobile laboratories, where the manufacturing of this illegal substance takes place.
As observed in the illustrations, a blue-green stain on any brass portion of a service valve is evidence that it may have been in contact with anhydrous ammonia*. The pungent odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder is also an indication. If you suspect that a propane cylinder contains or has contained anhydrous ammonia, exercise extreme caution and restrict access to the area. It can be dangerous to move the cylinder due to the unknown integrity of the cylinder's service valve. If you determine that it must be moved, keep in mind that hazards due to valve expulsion can be reduced by pointing the end of the container in which the valve is placed away from yourself and others and towards the most safe direction.
Immediately contact your Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Unit or the nearest office of the United States Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for information on properly disposing of the cylinder. If these respondents are not sure what to do, for assistance call 1-800-728-2482, which is the contact number for PERS, an independent hazardous materials information resource. *Note: Sherwood valves contain a green coated valve stem. Additionally, a green thread sealing compound is used on some valves. These valves should not be confused with those that have been exposed to anhydrous ammonia.
Meth Labs and Propane Tanks
Linear Mode
