February 29, 2016
With the Easter break coming up soon, Queensland firefighters are reminding campers that State gas regulators have banned a large number of portable gas stoves due to safety concerns.
There is a risk the cookers may explode if they overheat.
Over the past few months, firefighters have been called to respond to jobs where this has occurred.
Two explosions in North Queensland put four Queenslanders into hospital earlier this year.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said anyone who had bought a butane gas “lunchbox” cooker manufactured before July 2015 should stop using it and dispose of it.
“They are potentially lethal,” he said.
“Many models of these were recalled last year. I am now expanding that warning to any cooker manufactured before July 2015 when manufacturing standards changed.
“Check the compliance plate on the side or underneath the cooker, and put your safety, and the safety of your family and friends first.
“Dispose of it, spend the $20-25 for a new one, and be safe rather than sorry.”
The “lunchbox” cookers use a butane gas canister that should eject when the gas canister overheats.
However, many models were recalled nationally in mid-2015 because the safety mechanism didn’t work.
Dr Lynham said about a million of the cookers were believed to be in circulation Australia-wide.
Thousands were delivered to Rockhampton after the January 2014 floods cut electricity supplies to households.
Dr Lynham said the potential hazard was amplified because the cookers were so common.
“They are compact and inexpensive and they are sitting in caravans, boats, garages and sheds across Queensland,” he said.
- External link: Safety Warning On Portable Butane Cookers
