Warning
1999-95
July 15, 1999
Health Canada warns consumers not to use certain brands of multipurpose lighters
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers to stop using certain brands of multipurpose lighters (also called "utility lighters" and "barbecue lighters") that could cause injury and burns.
Multipurpose lighters are sold through national grocery stores, hardware stores and retailers throughout Canada. They are designed for use around the home for lighting barbecues, fireplaces, pilot lights, candles, campfires and stoves.
While multipurpose lighters are not regulated, they are similar in design to cigarette lighters which are subject to performance standards of the Hazardous Products (Lighters) Regulations.
Concern over safe operation of multipurpose lighters arose recently when lighters were recalled in the United States and Canada. As a result, Health Canada conducted a national survey of multipurpose lighters. The lighters underwent performance evaluation tests similar to those already in place for cigarette lighters. Those brands named below, either leaked fuel, had flame heights over 150 mm (6 inches), caught fire, continued to burn after they were turned off, or exploded (without flame) when exposed to elevated temperature.
As a result of this survey, Health Canada is warning consumers to stop using the following brands to reduce the risk of fires and injuries:
Brand Name and photo |
Country of Origin |
Importer's Name |
A-liter |
China |
Rolar Agencies, Sask. |
Coghlan's
(disposable) |
China |
Coghlan's Ltd., Manitoba |
Coghlan's
(refillable) |
China |
Coghlan's Ltd., Manitoba |
CTG |
China |
CTG Distributors, Ontario |
EZ Lighter |
China |
Goren Sales, Ontario |
Fiesta Grill Gear
(refillable) |
China |
R.S. Potten Ltd., Quebec |
Fiesta Grill Gear
(disposable) |
China |
R.S. Potten Ltd., Quebec |
Gas Match |
Taiwan |
Groupe Val Royal, Quebec |
Gas Lighter |
China |
Grand China Trading, ON |
Grillpro (disposable) |
China |
Inmar Industries, Ontario |
Grillpro (refillable) |
China |
Inmar Industries, Ontario |
Keanall (refillable) |
China |
Keanall Inc., Ontario |
Keanall (disposable) |
China |
Keanall Inc., Ontario |
Norpro |
China |
Ventures Int'l Products, B.C. |
Ronson Varaflame ignitor |
China |
Ronson Corp. of Canada, Ontario |
Sanbei Match |
China |
Maytronics Inc., Quebec |
Super |
China |
Intersave West, Alberta |
Consumers in possession of any of the brands listed above should dispose of them in accordance with local laws.
Health Canada reminds all consumers to keep lighters and matches OUT OF SIGHT and OUT OF REACH of children when not in use.
For additional information or comments regarding this issue, please contact a Product Safety Officer at the nearest Health Canada office listed below:
- Burnaby (604) 666-5003
- Edmonton (780) 495-2626
- Calgary (403) 292-4677
- Saskatoon (306) 975-4502
- Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
- Scarborough (416) 973-4705
- Hamilton (905) 572-2845
- Montréal (514) 283-5488
- Québec (418) 648-4327
- Moncton (506) 851-6638
- Dartmouth (902) 426-8300
- St. John's (709) 772-4050
For broadcast footage of unsafe multipurpose lighters please contact:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Media inquiries:
Andy Teliszewsky
Health Canada
(613) 954-3948
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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