Barbecues are often a great way to spend your leisure time but they have their own set of unique fire risks that should not be underestimated. However, some common sense preparation can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Enjoy a Barbecue…
A barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience but it’s all too easy to be distracted when you have friends and family around you whilst cooking. To avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple precautions:
General Safety
- Make sure your barbecue is in good working order.
- Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs.
- Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.
- Never leave the barbecue unattended.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
- Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it.
Charcoal Barbecues
Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches). Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.
Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.
Don’t use Indoors
Because it’s raining don’t be tempted to use inside the following fire safety precautions to help ensure you don’t become a statistic…
Don’t use in Tents…
Every year, many people are injured from barbecues or using them as a heater when finished cooking from the fumes they release…