Another article re the dangers of lunch box cookers http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/butane-gas-canisters-put-to-the-torch-by-natural-resources-minister-20150917-gjp6qq.html

Sits back and awaits protests from users who "know what they're doing" only mugs get blown up.

My mail as of late today is that a major hardware/camping outlet will be restocking redesigned butane fuelled stoves in approx 2 weeks from today. The info provided indicated the "shielding" offered to the canisters has been improved so that over heating does not occur. You would have to assume if they will be available from one outlet others will follow suit.

The best thing about this is that we can all go and invest another (I'm guessing) $25 - $30 to purchase the new model and kick start the economy for Malcolm Turnbull.

Cheers

That's hilarious... 'When the gas canisters overheat they should be ejected..."   Gee, that sounds like a great safety feature... an overheated gas canister being shot across the room

How unusual for a minister of government not to have a clue what he's talking about

My first thoughts are, given the potential for catastrophic failure, no matter how remote, why would anyone continue to use them?????

Same applies there too Doug... they're not meant for the mentally challenged. Apparently some nimrods have gassed themselves with the butane heaters by using them in closed spaces like vans overnight... with little or no ventilation. I just hope they got nominated for the Darwin awards  At least they would've gone out happy, they say carbon monoxide poisoning is a peaceful way to go.

Santa, by that logic you'd never drive a car or use a knife. Statistically, the butane cookers are safer than doing either of those things.

Predictable response, won't argue the point, I stand by what I said.

I'm not saying you should use one Santa, everyone can choose for themselves. But I've have been using them for decades and will continue to use them, because they are perfectly safe is used correctly.

Fair enough Steve, we all do our own risk assessment and act accordingly, most get it right, a few don't.

Ondabeach wrote:

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That's hilarious... 'When the gas canisters overheat they should be ejected..."   Gee, that sounds like a great safety feature... an overheated gas canister being shot across the room

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 Let's not get hysterical about this. There is a lever next to the variable control that ejects the cylinder from the control section of the stove when the stove is not in use. When the cylinder is ejected it is still retained within its enclosure. This is also supposed to happen in an overheating situation. Comments like that are not helpful when discussing safety considerations.

Gday...

There have been Butane cannisters on sale that have been designed to vent rather than explode if they become overheated.

This is snipped from the following site -

https://rikkiresources.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/is-your-butane-stove-safe/

They can be bought from at least this supplier -

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Campmaster-Butane-Cartridge-220g-4-Pack.aspx?pid=213539#Recommendations

Cheers - John

Have been using the old one for about 5 years and except for the busted carry case, I had no problem and it worked as it was intended, although must admit, I was very careful and never used indoors or with oversized pot/pan/tray and never too close to the van.  I did however invest in the new model now available through Bunnings stores - mainly for the carry case.  They still actually come with the warning about oversized pots/pans etc - even a template showing the recommended maximum size of pots/pans etc. for safe operation.

Gday...

I think the point of the original ban is being overlooked to some extent. 

Gas cannisters of the so-called "Lunchbox cookers" were exploding due to people using too wide a pan/cover etc and creating excessive heat on the gas cannister.

Consequently, as the 'older' "lunchbox cookers' provide insufficient heat protection to the cannister (and the cannisters were dangerous in this application) the cookers were banned.

CRV cannisters have been developed and tests have been conducted showing these are very safe as they will 'vent' the pressure/gas should they get too hot rather than explode - and combined with the newer modified cookers usage is now considered much safer.

IF ... and the point of all this is .... IF you continue to use the older 'banned' cooker AND continue to use the older non-CRV cannister there is considerable potential for explosion.

Obviously, IF you are careful and cautious and make sure you NEVER use a utensil that is too wide for the cooker the potential is considerably reduced - unfortunately, there are still a considerable number of people who through ignorance (or stupidity) may .... MAY ... put themselves in danger using the older stoves.

Conversely, if non-CRV cannisters continue to be used there is again a strong potential, through carelessness, for a non-CRV cannister to become overheated and explode.

I guess as it is so often said - forewarned is forearmed ... IF you continue to use your 'old' 'lunchbox cooker' be aware of the potential - OR take action to update to the 'safer' product/s.

Cheers - John

Wise words John.