Safety tips for a right royal barbecue

With Royal Wedding celebrations happening all over the borough tomorrow (Friday 29 April 2011), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is reminding people of some simple safety tips for a fun and accident-free barbecue.

Many will be taking this opportunity to cook and eat al fresco at home or with neighbours at a street party - and with a few simple preparations, families can avoid the burns, scalds and cuts that could put a dampener on an otherwise fantastic party.

Rarely does a year go by without reports of serious injuries sustained when something has gone wrong at a barbecue.

Last time accident figures were collected on a national level, around 1,800 people visited A&E in the UK having had an accident involving a barbecue.

Of those people, around 800 had suffered a barbecue-related burn or scald, and 200 had suffered a cut. The vast majority of barbecue accidents (1,400) happened at home, and 300 occurred in a public place.

Sheila Merrill, RoSPA’s public health adviser, said: “With the extra bank holiday providing ample opportunity for people to celebrate the royal wedding, we’re expecting barbecues to be the order of the day for many people. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that you have fun, eat well, and stay out of A&E.

“Hopefully, the good weather will continue throughout the summer, and taking care with barbecues will mean that everyone stays safe to enjoy it.

“In particular, in the midst of all the extra distractions, be it the televised wedding ceremony or your own celebrations; don’t forget to keep an eye on any young children present.”

RoSPA advises that barbecue lovers should take the following precautions: 

• When choosing a barbecue, stability is essential - ensure the one you choose is strong and sturdy
• Check the barbecue is in good condition (particularly if you have not used it for some time); look for loose or damaged parts requiring adjustment or repair
• Consider the location - level ground, away from fences, sheds and overhanging trees, which have been known to catch fire
• Never light a barbecue in an enclosed space
• Prepare the barbecue early to ensure it is at the right temperature by the time you want to cook
• Particular care should be taken in hot, dry weather to reduce the risk of starting a grass fire
• Never pour petrol, meths or other accelerants on to a barbecue. Some of the most serious barbecue-related accidents happen when people do this and the barbecue “explodes” in their face
• Use long-handled tools and be careful of steam when opening foil parcels - it can cause a nasty scald
• Remember that the metal parts of a barbecue can become hot - don’t try to move it until it has cooled down
• Don’t leave children unsupervised near a barbecue
• Make sure the barbecue is fully extinguished before you leave it
• Take care when getting rid of a disposable barbecue, or barbecue coals - ensure they have cooled down before placing them in a bin.
• If you are planning to have a barbecue in a public place, the same precautions apply but also ensure that you are allowed to barbecue at the location you intend to use - and never leave the barbecue unattended.