Barbeque Propane Torches Recalled
Approximately 10,000 GrillBlazer Su-VGun and GrillGun Propane Torch Guns have been recalled as of December 9, 2020, due to the potential for propane gas to leak, which poses a fire hazard. These guns are designed to sear meat and/or ignite charcoal, smokers, and wood grills. The recall advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled units and get in touch with GrillBlazer for instructions on how to have the items repaired, free of charge.
Company Issued Warning in October
The recall follows a prior warning in October 2020 from GrillBlazer that it had discovered that some of its early production torches had started to leak gas from under the knob at the top of the gas control valve. The leaks were noted to happen after a temperature change and over an extended period of time.
Initially, it was thought that only very few of their products were affected, and the company posted an alert to consumers to pay attention to the potential leak hazard near the red main valve. They issued the statement “out of an abundance of caution,” and it was directed at consumers who had bought the propane gun before October 2020. The statement advised consumers to contact GrillBlazer directly for repair if a leak developed in the torch gun.
Description of the Hazard
The propane guns have two O-ring seals that should prevent gas from leaking from the top of the red main valve. GrillBlazer surmised that the valve manufacturer had used some O-rings that they described as “slightly undersized.” The guns that were outfitted with the undersized O-rings had begun to leak gas over an extended period of time and during fluctuations in temperature.
If the torch leaks gas in the area of the valve which is under the red knob, flames could come out from the knob area when the torch is ignited. This could be very dangerous and could cause property damage, injuries, or death.
If you Own an Affected Model
The directions from GrillBlazer describe how to check for a leak. The company says that if the O-rings have failed, it is quite obvious and easy to detect. The directions given are:
- Turn the main gas valve to “off” and hook up the torch to a pressurized propane tank or bottle.
- Listen for the sound of propane leaking. Also, use your sense of smell to detect leaking gas. The leak would be coming from the torch valve under the red knob.
- If you detect any gas leaking from under the knob via sound or smell, your unit has a defect, and it needs to be repaired by replacing the O-rings with those of the proper size.
Options for Those with Recalled Products
The October statement from Grillblazer presented two options for repair:
For those who are mechanically inclined, the company offered to send a new valve stem for self-installation. The replacement part would be free of charge. A self-repair was described as simple, and all the consumer would need are small wrenches and the ability to follow instructions.
The second option was to send the torch to GrillBlazer, and they would replace the valve stem.
More Units Affected Than First Thought
GrillBlazer received reports from 260 consumers of propane leaks from the recalled products. Three of those reports resulted in a fire. As of the December 6, 2020 recall, no injuries had yet been reported.
Watch the YouTube video uploaded by GrillBlazer showing how their propane torches should work.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
Hello – I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney in Sacramento. Defective consumer products can cause injuries and death, and if that unfortunate event happens, the affected parties will need experienced legal counsel. If you are seeking free and friendly advice for a personal injury matter, please call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to speak with one of our injury lawyers. Alternatively, use our online contact form.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/blowtorch-flame-hot-tool-soldering-596294/
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