Barbecue safety advice

Barbecue

A British summer isn't complete without a barbecue. However, before you start cooking over hot coals, get prepared by reading our essential barbecue tips for staying safe whilst having fun with family and friends:

• Alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidents occurring. Always take care using cooking fires.
• Concentrate on what you're doing - it's easy to be distracted when you have family and friends around you whilst cooking and this is often when accidents can happen.
• Barbecue gone out? NEVER use petrol or paraffin to revive your barbecue, use only recognised lighters or starter fuel on cold coals in moderation.
• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order and that the site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs.
• Keep a bucket of water and/or a hose pipe nearby in case of emergencies.
• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches).
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area. When you've finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
• NEVER leave the barbecue unattended.
• NEVER put ashes straight into a dustbin/wheelie bin - if they're hot they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.
• Remember - barbecues should never be lit indoors!

Gas Barbecues

• Bottled gas barbecues need special care when being turned on and off.
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder. Change gas cylinders in the open air if possible or open doors and windows to provide good ventilation.
• When you've finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls. This ensures any gas in the pipeline is used up.

Please Remember...

• To start your barbecue only use Barbecue Lighter Fuel or Firelighters, NEVER use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids. Once your barbecue is lit, NEVER add more liquid fuel.
• Make sure your barbecue is on a safe, flat surface and well away from fences, plants, garden furniture and other flammable items.
• Keep children and pets well away from your barbecue.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of accidents/emergency. When you have finished cooking with your barbecue, always extinguish the coals using water.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

You might think that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is primarily a winter danger – but it’s just as deadly in summer too. If you’re planning a BBQ you’ll want to be aware of the dangers of CO.

Bringing a BBQ into an enclosed space could expose you to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning – don’t put yourself or your family at risk.

Here’s some tips to help you enjoy BBQs and stay safe:

• Avoid taking a smouldering or lit BBQ into a tent, caravan or cabin. Even if you’ve finished cooking your BBQ can still give off fumes, so it’s a good idea to keep it outside.
• Never use a BBQ inside.
• Always ensure you can see your lit BBQ – don’t leave it lit whilst sleeping.
• The cooking area should be well away from your tent, cabin or caravan, and always ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air.
• Use your BBQ in accordance with the operating instructions.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning - headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness.