BUNN45 fire and explosions in LP gas grills

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Fires and Explosions in LP (Propane) Gas Grills
DOCUMENT NUMBER:
DATE OF INCIDENT:
FOLLOW-UP REQUESTED

CATID: BUNN45 2020
HAZARD ANALYSIS

SECT 15

PRIMARY CONTACT: Scott Ayers, EXHR, 301-987-2030, sayers@cpsc.gov
BACK-UP CONTACT: Yeon Seok Kim, ESEE, 301-987-2258, YKim@cpsc.gov
COMPLIANCE CONTACT: Joe Williams, CDI, 301-504-7585, JFWilliams@cpsc.gov
ASSIGNMENT MESSAGE:

Please investigate the attached incident reportedly involving the valve and hose assembly of an LP gas
tank and grill. Use Appendix 101 – Portable LP Gas Grills to conduct the IDI. In addition, describe any
overfill safety devices on the LP gas tank. The voluntary standards for gas grills sold after 1995 require a
flow limiting device to shut off gas flow if a leak is detected between the grill and tank, so this case is of
special interest. Photograph products, if possible. Collect a copy of owner’s manual, if available.
Please collect the grill-to-tank valves and hose assembly in as close to one piece as you can get. If the
connection between the grill hose and the tank has not been taken apart, please DO NOT take it apart.
Document the condition of the tank valve with pictures and written descriptions. Check for the presence
and condition of a gasket within the valve, and document with photographs. Note the manufacture date of
the tank and valve, and the recertification date of the tank (if applicable.)
If you have concerns about transporting the sample, please contact Scott Ayers via email only. Send
samples to SSF.
Please obtain photographs of LP gas tank remains, if possible. Please obtain the age and description of
product. Document all injuries and collect official reports

Be sure to obtain:
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Pre-incident, incident, and post incident scenarios
Document any repairs or maintenance conducted on the grill prior to the incident, including any
problems the consumer noticed.
Document all standards markings and warnings that appear on the grill.
A copy of the owner’s manual for the product.
Document the last time the tank was filled, who filled it, and how many times the tank had been used
between being filled and the incident.
Document the connection between the regulator and the tank. Was the plastic knob melted? Was it a
push type connection?
If there was a fire, where were the flames coming from?
Was the consumer attempting to light the grill when the fire/explosion occurred, or did it happen after
the grill had been in use for some time?
Sample the tank and connection to the regulator (with hose and regulator). If possible, sample the
entire fuel train from tank to burner outlet (contact Scott Ayers for information on sample collection).

CPSC FORM 324A

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Document the grill. Obtain photos of the underside of the grill, of the connection between the supply
hose, and the burner manifold or venturi. There should be screens of some sort on the primary air
shutters on the venturi. What is the condition of the venturi? Had the venturi and burner been
cleaned prior to use to clean out insects, etc.?
If there was a fire, how big were the flames?
Was there a whooshing or popping sound?
How the tank was transported from the filling/exchange location?
What position was the tank in while being transported?

Please include all primary and all backup contacts in the distribution of the completed IDI.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Area below will be completed in Data Systems _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Person (s) to Contact:
Guidelines: Appendix 101 – Portable LP Gas Grills
Appendix 128 – Smoke Alarms
Task Number:
Assigned to:

CPSC FORM 324A

Date:
Processed by: lew