The encyclopedia · Product & Design · Product decision · 2015
Breville's Fast Slow Cooker: a safety gasket that fit upside down
Breville recalled 35,600 pressure cookers because the sealing gasket could be installed upside down, letting built-up pressure escape and burn users.
Breville · 2015-12-22
What happened
Breville's Fast Slow Cooker, a 6-quart programmable electric pressure cooker, had a sealing gasket that could be inserted upside down on the lid.
That mis-seated gasket let built-up pressure release unexpectedly, spraying steam or hot contents and burning the user or anyone nearby. Breville received five reports of burns, including second-degree burns to hands, arms and stomach.
About 35,600 units sold at Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Macy's and Sur la Table from 2012 to 2015 were recalled; Breville mailed a replacement gasket and corrected the instructions.
Why it happened
- The sealing gasket could be installed upside down, releasing pressure unexpectedly
- Five reports of burns, including second-degree burns
- About 35,600 units recalled for a replacement gasket and corrected instructions
The lesson
A safety part that can be fitted wrong is a hazard, not a safety part. Breville's gasket fit upside down and let pressure escape, so 35,600 cookers with five burns were recalled.
Sources
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