|
I read with sadness the article concerning the explosion with the Gaz stove and your headline.
My sympathies to the victims and their families, who will have to live with the consequences of a moment's inattention for some while.
I suppose we will have to wait for the inevitable 'over the top' reaction from the BSS and others.
During the power cuts of the 1970's, a number of people were badly burned in their homes by these stoves and by the lamp unit using the same cartridge.
In each case, the burner (or lamp) unit was not completely unscrewed from the old cartridge as the instructions on them at that time, clearly stated.
When the retaining legs are subsequently forced onto the new cartridge, the needle point pierces the new cartridge before the fitted sealing washer can form the seal around the top.
This enables gas to escape in a stream which, when ignited can be an effective flamethrower which will reach up to 20 feet.
Correctly used, these stoves are very good; but as with any gas appliance, common sense and care are forgotten at a price.
Iain Powell |
