The Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD)

This information has been assembled to create a better understanding of the origin, development and dynamics that are a significant part in the acceptance and promotion of the new safety concept for small propane cylinders. The information below reflects the research developed by a special task force which was appointed by the President of the National Propane Gas Association, Charles R. Revere, in 1999.

In addition to gathering and publishing major elements of the OPD story, the NPGA special task force also prepared:

• OPD: A History of Events Which Led to the Adoption of the OPD Requirements in the 1998 Edition of NFPA 58
• OPD: A Legal Primer
• OPD: Marketer's Questions
• OPD: Consumer's Questions
• OPD Requirements by State 
• Propane Cylinders Have A Service Life Which Can be Extended

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The information contained herein is not intended to be all-inclusive, but represents an effort to document the highlights that have led to the new OPD requirements in the 1998 edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) LP-gas code, NFPA 58.

Any questions on the content of this material can be directed to Bruce Swiecicki.

This information has been provided as a public contribution to the safe use of propane by the National Propane Gas Association and the Propane Education and Research Council.