Fire safety barbecue tips for hot summer days
You’ve got to admit, we’re experiencing brilliant barbecue weather right now in the UK. At the time of writing the sun is shining, the rain is giving the country a wide berth (for a change) and people are tucking into al fresco food whenever they get the opportunity. This is fine as long as you take extra caution with outdoor barbecues. They’re a fire risk you see and they should be treated with plenty of respect. Use common sense though and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the very best of the British weather, have a bbq by all means, just follow this fire safety advice.
Safety tip # 1
Check the condition of your equipment
Dig out that old barbecue and before you toss a few charcoals inside the pan make sure it’s fit for purpose. Yes, it’s done you proud over numerous summers but can it still cook, is it safe to use or has it cooked its last banger?
Make sure your barbecue is in a fit state to carry hot coals, if it’s a bit battered and seen better days maybe it’s time you treated yourself to a new model.
Safety tip # 2
Position the barbecue in a stable place
Where do you think the best place is for a barbecue? Somewhere nice and flat is your best bet.
Test the ground under the barbecue before you proceed to light the charcoals. Is the base stable and secure?
Safety tip # 3
Look at what’s around
Do a quick fire risk assessment of the area immediately surrounding the barbecue. Are there wooden fences next to the barbecue, is it a little too near the shed, can you see overhanging branches or spot shrubs close by that might catch fire due to flying embers?
Think about the physical location of the barbecue, look around and make sure it’s free from danger, have a bucket of water on standby just in case.
Safety tip # 4
Take care lighting the barbecue
Only use approved methods for lighting barbecues, half a gallon of unleaded isn’t such a great idea.
Briquettes, fire lighters or bags containing pre-soaked charcoal are best, follow the safety advice and take extra care when lighting the coals.
Safety tip # 5
Never leave the barbecue unattended
Keep one eye on the barbecue at all times. Don’t slink off to the kitchen leaving the barbecue unattended, especially when small children or pets are around.
Get somebody else to bring the meat out to you if needs be, take charge of the barbecue and stay in total control.
Safety tip # 6
Let the charcoal cool properly
Never attempt to move a barbecue until you know it’s totally cool. This could take hours so you might want to leave it overnight just to make sure, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Follow these tips and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a brilliant barbecue this year.
There is one final bit of advice we’d like to give you at RAD Fire Sprinklers.
Don’t forget to chills those beers!
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