Your browser is unsupported and may have security vulnerabilities! Upgrade to a newer browser to experience this site in all it's glory.
Skip to main content
  • About Us
  • Your Safety
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Your Local Area
  • Contact Us
Bbq with flame

Warm weather and lighter evenings are a perfect time to light a barbecue and enjoy time outside with family and friends. We have a few tips which will reduce the risk of fire during or after cooking.

BBQ safety tips

To avoid injuries or damage to property follow these simple precautions:

  • Never leave the BBQ unattended
  • Ensure the BBQ is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs
  • Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
  • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
  • Ensure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it

Disposable Barbecues

If you do use a disposable barbecue:

  • It is imperative that they are placed on an even surface on either bricks or paving slabs .
  • Place disposable BBQs well away from the house, shed or fences.
  • Do not use disposable barbecues near or on public benches.
  • If you're using a disposable BBQ ensure it has cooled before putting it in the bin. To avoid starting a fire you should allow it to cool for several hours and then consider pouring water over it to make sure it's out.

Charcoal Barbecues

  • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches).
  • Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals - use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.
  • Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Gas Barbecues

  • Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
  • Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area
  • If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles - tighten to fix but do not overtighten
  • After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up

Be carbon monoxide aware

  • Never use fuel-burning equipment (as listed below) inside a tent.
  • Using these indoors can cause Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • They give off fumes for hours and hours after you have used them - levels high enough to result in CO poisoning.
  • To avoid hazardous CO exposures, fuel-burning equipment should never be used inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter.

Fuel-burning equipment can include:

  • camping stoves
  • camping heaters
  • lanterns
  • charcoal grills
  • disposable barbecues

Opening tent flaps, doors, or windows is insufficient to prevent build-up of CO concentrations from these devices.

Also, when using fuel-burning devices outdoors, the exhaust should not vent into enclosed shelters.