This document does not change, create, amend or suggest deviations to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations).
The purpose of this safety advisory is to advise the general public of the risks and dangers of refilling 1lb (454g) cylinders intended for one-time use only.
Definition of single-use cylinders
A TC-39M/DOT-39 cylinder is a seamless, welded or brazed cylinder. They are most known as propane camping cylinders to conveniently provide fuel for heating and cooking.
These are single-use cylinders, meaning they cannot be refilled. It is illegal to refill these for the following reasons:
- unlike a refillable cylinder, nonrefillable cylinders are not designed to handle the stresses associated with filling and emptying, as these stresses may result in a rupture of the cylinder, in conjunction with a release of a highly flammable gas
- they can easily be overfilled because they are not equipped with an overflow protection device
Reasons for precautions
We are noticing more and more users refilling single-use TC-39M/DOT-39 cylinders. As these cylinders pose a fire and explosion risk regarding improper handling, several incidents have been reported involving these cylinders due to being refilled illegally. Despite this danger, single-use cylinder “refill kits” and adaptors can be found advertised online while tutorials are easily accessible through a quick search and show the extent of the issue.
For this reason, Transport Canada is advising the general public of this safety risk and reminds everyone that refilling these cylinders is not only extremely dangerous but also prohibited.
Compliance with the TDG Act and Regulations
Failure to comply with the TDG Act and TDG Regulations may lead to fines and/or imprisonment. For more information, you can visit the TDG website and the Department of Justice website.
Contact us
For any regulatory questions, please contact us.
Risks of refilling single-use TC-39M/DOT-39 cylinders
(PDF, 121 KB)