Retailers who received shipments of propane from MFA Oil between November 30th and December 14th have been alerted of a low level contamination of anhydrous ammonia, used in many cleaning products and fertilizers, being advised to immediately contact customers who were considered at risk.
According to Aurora Advertiser, Missouri’s newspaper, the load is believed to have been contaminated during transport due to the carrier’s trailer being improperly cleaned out before transporting the shipment, leaving traces of previously hauled anhydrous ammonia beyond, tainting the propane load.
Although regarded as a “low level contamination,” the risks of propane being tainted with anhydrous ammonia come at a high stake since, when interacting with the wrong metal, can result in dangerous consequences, especially given that many valves on propane tanks contain brass.
As the National Propane Gas Association notes, “The brass valve in a propane cylinder will be damaged if it comes in contact with ammonia. This deterioration will lead to cracking of the valve body or its components ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder injury or death” (http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/HWB/documents/Anhydrous_Ammonia_Propane_Cylinders.pdf).
As a result, the MFA took action to prevent corrosion by changing the brass valves and, due to the risk of causing health hazards through inhalation, the Missouri Propane Gas Commission has notified companies, especially in the southwest Missouri counties who may have received a contaminated shipment, to replace tanks by Dec. 26th as well as “ensure the affected consumers discontinue use of unvented gas appliances and gas ranges” (http://www.auroraadvertiser.net/topstories/x1569723602/Some-propane-contaminated-with-anhydrous-ammonia).
Those shipments that have been affected will either be burned or refined, Aurora Advertiser notes.
The potential hazard that this tainted propane shipment could have caused is one reason to always ensure that a safe carrier is transporting your freight.
Road Scholar Transport is able to provide a history of what was inside our trailer prior to your 
shipment, prior to that shipment, and so on, along with each trailer being regularly washed down to enhance sanitary measures and reduce any risk of contamination during transport.
Why risk your reputation and a widespread contamination outbreak by choosing the cheapest, most ill-equipped carrier to transport your freight? Visit www.roadscholar.com to learn more about Road Scholar’s services and security features.
What do you think of Road Scholar’s ability to provide you with history of what was inside of a trailer prior to transporting your freight? How beneficial do you believe it is? List your comments below.
Although these prices are the highest they have been in two years, compare that with diesel rates back in October of 2008 when they reached almost $5-per-gallon.
