As many people in NSW head away from the city for a well-deserved break over the Easter long weekend, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has highlighted the danger of a batch of 'lunchbox' gas cookers.
A total of six models of the cookers have been identified as dangerous by the authority and consumers are warned not to use their cooker until they can get confirmation that it is safe.
What is the problem?
Lunchbox gas cookers use a gas canister as a fuel source. This canister can get quite hot if covered by a large cooking pot or similar. As such, an overpressure valve is installed to stop the gas flow when the canister overheats.
However, in the defective models, this valve doesn't operate and this could lead to an explosion or fire.
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard explained what Easter holidaymakers should do before using their cookers.
"Portable gas cookers are popular camping items, which many families may be using during upcoming Easter trips. Before you pack, check whether your model is affected. If so, do not use it under any circumstances," she said in an April 1 media statement.
"State and Territory gas regulators are negotiating recalls on faulty cookers, in consultation with the ACCC. The first of these recalls will be announced this week. If you own a product that is recalled you can obtain a refund from where you bought it."
A comprehensive list of the affected cookers are listed on both the Product Safety and Recalls websites.
It is important to note that all the affected cookers identified have been pulled from shops as state gas regulators have withdrawn their certificates of conformance. This means it is illegal for retailers to sell the cookers to the public.
Product liability in NSW
If you are injured by a cooker or any other product over the Easter long weekend, regardless of whether it has been recalled or not, you could be eligible for compensation.
Injuries from products are more common than most people think so if you believe you have a case, contact a compensation lawyer at Gerard Malouf & Partners.
These lawyers operate on a no win no fee basis so they can advise you on your chances of success free of charge – if they think you have a case, it's completely up to you whether you engage their services.
