Longer days and warmer evenings mean many of us start thinking about outdoor cooking and spending time with friends and family. Barbecues can be a great way to enjoy the summer, but it’s important to use them safely to reduce the risk of fire, burns and accidents. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your barbecue while keeping your home, garden and neighbours safe.

Choosing the right location

Where you place your barbecue is one of the mostimportant safety considerations.

• They should always be used outdoors and positioned on a flat, stable surface.
• They should be kept well away from homes, fences, sheds, trees and anything that could catch fire. As a guide, it’s best to leave at least one metre of space around your barbecue.
• Please do not use barbecues on balconies, on decked areas or in enclosed spaces. Even when not lit, they canstill give off heat and fumes.
• It’s also worth thinking about smoke. Placing your barbecue too close to neighbouring homes, open windows or doors can cause smoke to drift inside, which can be unpleasant and potentially unsafe.

Preparing your barbecue safely

Before lighting your barbecue, take a few minutes to checkthat everything is safe to use.

• If you are using a charcoal one, make sure the grill is clean and free from old grease or food build-up, as this can increase the risk of flare-ups.
• For gas barbecues, check that the hose and connections are secure and undamaged. If you smell gas at any point ,turn it off immediately and do not attempt to light it until the issue has been checked.
• Only use proper barbecue lighting products and never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids to start or revive a fire.

Storing charcoal and gas bottles safely

Fuel should always be stored carefully.

• Charcoal should be kept in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Damp charcoal can be difficult to light and may produce more smoke, while storing it near heat can increase fire risk.
• Gas bottles should always be stored upright and outdoors, ideally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. They should never be stored inside homes, sheds or garages.

Safe cooking and supervision

• Once your barbecue is lit, it should never be left unattended.
• Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area and use long-handled utensils where possible to avoid burns. It’s also helpful to keep a bucket of water, sand or a hosepipe nearby in case you need to quickly control flames.
• Take extra care with fatty foods such as burgers or sausages, as dripping fat can cause flames to flare up.
• When you’ve finished cooking, allow the barbecue to cool completely before moving it or disposing of ash.

Using disposable barbecues responsibly

Disposable barbecues can be convenient, but they needto be used with care.

• They should only be placed on non-flammable surfaces, such as paving slabs or bricks. Never place them directly on grass, decking or picnic tables, as the heat from the base can easily cause damage or start a fire.
• After use, disposable barbecues can stay hot for a long time. Make sure they are fully cooled before disposing of them and never place them straight into bins.
• They should also never be used in parks, open spaces or areas where local restrictions are in place.

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