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.

Fire safety rules

• 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 and overhanging trees or shrubs. 
• 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 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.

Tips for gas barbecues

• Make sure the controls and the gas cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder. 
• Change the gas cylinder in the open air.
• 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.
• 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 protect from frost and direct sunlight. 
• Don't keep more spare cylinders than you need.