The ACT Supreme Court found it was probable Rebekah Kathleen Nicholls would never get over her nervousness around barbecues after the frightening events.

It's a case the master of the Supreme Court said illustrated the potential danger of the humble backyard barbecue gas cylinder if things go wrong.

Master David Harper, in reasons published yesterday, found Elgas Limited had breached its duty of care to the woman by overfilling the cylinder at its Fyshwick dept.

Ms Nicholls was keeping an eye on the barbie at a friend's place when the gas ignited ''causing something in the nature of a large welding torch''.

The explosion blew the woman across the deck and left her with serious burns to the arm and face.

Master Harper said he had no doubt it was a ''terrifying experience'' for the victim.

Ms Nicholls experienced flashbacks and other psychological trauma for months, although she made a good recovery from the burns.

In his judgment the master said it was entirely understandable ''she is still nervous about barbecues and gas bottles, and probably will be for the rest of her life''.

''Nevertheless, fortunately, she has been able to return to a generally normal life since this happened.''

The victim took legal action, suing Elgas for damages. The friend who bought the cylinder, and at whose house the incident unfolded, was joined as a party to the action but subsequently excused.

During the hearing an expert called by the defendant conceded it was ''possible and realistic'' the cylinder was provided overfilled - ''perhaps significantly overfilled''.

''I do not suggest that that was anything other than inadvertent, but that created a potentially dangerous situation,'' Master Harper said.