Petroleum and gas safety alert no. 75 | 11 July 2017 | Version 1
Non-compliant portable food steamers (Yum Cha steam trolleys)
Key issues
- A key risk identified with uncertified or faulty gas devices is they have not passed the correct Australian approval process and therefore are not approved for use in Australia.
- The gas cylinder which is mounted under the device can pose a significant risk to members of the public if a gas leak or fire was to occur.
- Section 4.4.3 of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1596:2014 “The storage and handling of LP Gas” lists the prohibited locations for cylinders. This includes the requirement that any cylinder and its associated equipment shall not be installed where the cylinder, or an incident involving the cylinder and its contents, could obstruct egress from a building.” There have been instances of mobile steamer trolleys cylinders contents catching fire which could block emergency fire exits in indoor settings.
- Australian Standard AS 3645—2010 Essential requirements for gas equipment states: Gas equipment shall be designed and built so as to operate safely and present no danger to persons, domestic animals or property when used for its intended purpose in accordance with the supplied instructions.
- Surface temperatures on these gas devices, could also present a danger of burns if touched.
Recommendations
Consumers are advised to take the following actions:
- Owners of these devices should cease using these devices until they are checked and certified by an approved testing organization. Safely dispose of any faulty or dangerous LP gas cylinders.
- Equipment owners should seek professional advice from the Queensland Gas Association altering the steam trolley to run on a safer form of energy which will meets Australian compliance standards.
- Devices should be removed from the operating location to prevent unsafe use of the appliance.
- Do not purchase these devices from retailers or online sources who are unable to show you proof they are certified for use in Australia.
Further information
Certified portable gas-fueled steamers will carry the approval mark of a Certifying Authority. The Queensland Gas Association is the only organization in Queensland that currently carries out second tier approvals on used or custom-built gas devices. Go to www.qga.org.au to find out more.
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
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Background
An LP gas food steamer trolley caught on fire in a South-East Queensland restaurant and put the safety of patrons and staff at risk. As a result of this incident, owners of these devices are advised to cease using them until they are checked for compliance with Australian standards and certified by an approved testing organisation.
Contact: Stephen Currie, Regional Inspector - Southern Region , +61 7 5583 7581 stephen.currie@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines
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