Archive – Danger Associated with Uni-Bright Brand Refillable BBQ Lighters

Starting date:

September 30, 2005

Posting date:

September 30, 2005

Type of communication:

Advisory

Subcategory:

Household Items

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Important Safety Information, Flammability Hazard

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-11000355

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Health Canada is warning the Canadian public not to use Uni-Bright brand refillable barbeque lighters. During 2005, the lighters were sold by retail outlets across Canada. These lighters may pose a fire and personal safety hazard to consumers.

The Uni-Bright brand refillable lighters have demonstrated flame heights over 15 cm and sudden fluctuations of flame heights of 5 cm or more, which Health Canada considers dangerous for lighters. They have also continued to burn after they were turned off and leak fuel when exposed to elevated temperatures. Health Canada is aware of one incident reported by a fire official, in which a fireball occurred during the filling of the lighter. No one was injured, but the incident led to testing and the subsequent finding of the additional deficiencies of these products.

The Uni-Bright brand refillable barbeque lighters are approximately 27 cm long with red, green, blue, or yellow handles and a black metal ignition shaft with a grey plastic collar around its base. The lighters have a black, plastic trigger with a black, child-resistant switch and flame adjusting lever. The handle has fuel-reservoir windows on both sides toward the base. The lighters are packaged in blue blister cards with the brand Uni-Bright and the letters "BBQ" in large capitals beneath the brand name. "Made in China, Distributed by GW CANADA" is printed beneath the barcode on the back of the package. The barcode number is 6 28750 81158 7. The lighters are imported from China by U.B.I. Trading Company of Toronto, Ontario and distributed by GW Canada, also of Toronto, Ontario.

Consumers in possession of Uni-Bright refillable barbeque lighters should stop using them immediately and contact their local municipalities for information on how to dispose of them properly.

Health Canada reminds all consumers to keep lighters out of sight and out of reach of children.

For more information, consumers may contact Health Canada's nearest regional Product Safety Office.

Telephone: 1-866-662-0666

E-mail:  cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca

(Please indicate the province or territory from which you are calling or corresponding.)

Media enquiries

613-957-2991

1-866-225-0709

Public enquiries

613-957-2991

1-866-225-0709

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