Planning a BBQ This Weekend? Stay Safe with Our Top Tips!
Getting ready to bite into a juicy burger or tuck into a tasty hot dog? Hold up! Before you fire up that grill, make sure you follow these crucial BBQ safety tips. Keep your feast fun and, most importantly, safe.
BBQ Do’s and Don’ts
- Never cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol or are on prescription drugs.
- Never leave your barbecue unattended – fires can flare up fast.
- Don’t take lit charcoal or any kind of barbecue into enclosed spaces like tents or awnings – carbon monoxide poisoning can kill.
- Always have a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose close by for emergencies.
- Set up your barbecue on flat ground, well away from bushes, fences, tents, or any flammable structures.
- Leave plenty of space around your BBQ – no squeezing past it!
- Watch out for flare-ups when cooking fatty foods – dripping fat can cause dangerous flames.
- Only move your barbecue once the coals are completely cool.
- Dispose of ashes safely – never chuck hot ashes in your dustbin.
Gas BBQ Users – Extra Caution Needed
- Turn off the gas tap before swapping cylinders. Always change cylinders outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- When finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls to use up leftover gas in the pipe.
- If you suspect a gas leak, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles.
- If you spot a leak, tighten the joint gently – don’t over-tighten it!
- Store gas cylinders outdoors, away from frost and direct sunlight.
Spot a Leaky Gas Joint? Act Fast!
If bubbles appear when checking with soapy water, tighten the joint carefully to stop the leak. Don’t force it – safety comes first!
Follow these straightforward tips and enjoy your BBQ weekend without the drama. Stay safe, stay sizzling!
