By following these simple rules you can ensure your
barbecue is a safe, enjoyable event:
- Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early.
- Check all gas connections are tight.
- Keep young children well away from the barbecue.
- Stand portable barbecues on an even surface and make sure they
are away from the house, fences or shed.
- Use only approved lighter fuels, never petrol.
- Lighter fuels must only be applied before lighting.
- Remember to light your charcoal an hour before you commence
cooking.
- Don’t be over generous with the charcoal.
- Be careful with fatty foods and never pour oil onto meat when
it is cooking.
- After the event seal your charcoal bag and store in a dry
place, which will make it easier to light next time.
- If you are the chef, try not to drink too much whilst
cooking.
- Never poor petrol on any barbecue to try and re-ignite it –
start the process again, properly.
- After you have finished cooking, extinguish the burning
coals. Then leave a period of time, 1 to 3 hours, to check
that the fire is completely out.
This may seem a long list but most of these things are common
sense. By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable
liquids to light the barbecue and gas cylinders. There have
been a couple of occasions where people have poured petrol
onto the charcoal in an effort to get it going and the reaction
has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous. Also
where cylinder connections have not been checked are tight and
escaping gas has ignited.
Most of all - enjoy yourself in safety.