Barbecue safety

Barbecues can get out of control if you’re not careful. By following a few simple fire safety rules you can enjoy a safe barbecue and prevent accidental fires:

• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbeques.
• Never use a barbeque indoors or on balconies.
• Make sure your barbecue is placed on level ground where it will not tip over.
• Keep barbecues away from your home, sheds, fences, garden furniture, trees, shrubs and tents.  
• Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbeque.
• Don't put the barbecue where people have to squeeze past it.  
• Only use approved barbecue fuel or fire lighters. Never use petrol or paraffin.  
• Keep children, pets and garden games well away from the cooking area.  
• Never leave the barbecue unattended.  
• Watch out when you are cooking fatty foods. Lots of fat spilling onto the coals will cause flames to flare up. 
• When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.  
• Empty the cold ash onto bare garden soil – never put it in the dustbin. 
• Where possible keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.

 

Tips for gas barbecues

• Take extra care when turning bottled gas BBQs on and off.
• Make sure the controls and the gas cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.
• Make sure all joints are tightened, safe and secure.
• Change the gas cylinder in the open air. 
• When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.  
• Store your gas cylinders outside and protected from frost and sunlight.
• Never store gas cylinders under the stairs- if there is a fire they might explode and block your escape route.
• If you think there might be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over all of the joints and watch out for bubbles. If you have a leaky joint, try to tighten it (but don't over tighten it) and test for bubbles again. If unsure do not use the barbecue – seek specialist advice.