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
Did you know?
BBQs can stay hot for hours, so be really careful moving them. They also give off carbon monoxide fumes for several hours after they go out, so don't bring them indoors, or into a tent, with you.
Disposable BBQs bring several risks, from grass fires to harming wildlife.
- Disposable BBQs are often not put out properly, which can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry
- They’re sometimes used on balconies, where the wind may carry smouldering ash towards nearby grassland or neighbouring properties
- The ground beneath a BBQ can remain searingly hot for hours after it has been removed, posing a risk to anyone who might walk over it
- They pose a threat to wildlife and their disposable design makes them wasteful and harmful to the environment
A number of retailers have already stopped selling disposable BBQs, and we want more to do the same.
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.
FAQs
Safety Tips
Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
What precautions should be taken during a barbecue? ›
Never use barbeques inside. Only use them outside in well ventilated areas to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Outdoor areas with the blinds down is not a well ventilated area. Ensure that nothing flammable is above or around the barbeque.
What is the safest way to BBQ? ›
Use in well-ventilated area.
Set up your grill in an open area that is away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves, or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of wind-blown sparks.
What are 4 grilling guidelines? ›
Six Rules Of Grilling
- Preheat You wouldn't bake in a cold oven, and you can't sear on a cold grill. ...
- Clean For good results, start with a clean cooking grate. ...
- Seasoning Oiling the grate helps keep food from sticking. ...
- Turning Know-How The proper way to turn food on the grill is with tongs or a spatula.
GENERAL GRILLING TIPS
The first rule of grilling, according to Bob Barton: Don't be in a hurry. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are white ash. Don't be impatient with meats on the grill; turn when they are ready to be turned, not a minute before.
What is the 4 hour BBQ rule? ›
A 2-4 Hour Rest Makes Brisket & Pork Butt Better
Because they contain connective tissue that is converted to gelatin after many hours of “low & slow” cooking, and it's this gelatin that rehydrates the meat during the resting period.
What are the hazards of barbeque? ›
Smoke gets in your hair, eyes, clothes and lungs and is a health hazard. Smoke from barbecues, especially those that are not functioning properly can contain carbon monoxide, carcinogens and various other dangerous substances. Cancer causing substances can be released when grease burns.
What is the danger zone for BBQ? ›
Because smoking uses low temperatures to cook food, the meat will take too long to thaw in the smoker, allowing it to linger in the "Danger Zone" (temperatures between 40 and 140 °F) where harmful bacteria can multiply.
What is the 321 rule BBQ? ›
The 3-2-1 Method refers to the technique used to cook ribs low and slow so that they develop flavour without drying out. First, the ribs are smoked at a low temperature for 3 hours. They're then wrapped in foil and steamed for 2 hours. Finally, they're brushed with a sauce or glaze and grilled for 1 more hour.
What is the least toxic way to grill? ›
8 Tips To Avoid Hidden Health Hazards While You Grill
- #1 Stop Using Aluminum Foil. ...
- #2 Don't Overcook Your Meat. ...
- #3 Choose The Right Marinade. ...
- #4 Clean Your Grill Before and After Cooking. ...
- #5 Pre-Cook Your Meat. ...
- #6 Choose High-Quality Meat.
Set up the BBQ on flat ground that is away from any buildings, fences, trees or over-hanging shrubs. Never light a barbecue indoors or in a garage. Make sure the weather conditions are suitable for the BBQ activity. If it's windy, ensure the wind is blowing away from you when you light the barbecue.
How do I know if my BBQ is safe? ›
Before use, check that the BBQ is in good working order and any hoses are not showing signs of wear, stiffness or cracking. If you have any doubts about the safety of a gas BBQ do not use it and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Is it safe to leave a barbecue unattended? ›
Using your barbecue
Keep a fire extinguisher, fire blanket or garden hose nearby. Never leave your barbecue unattended when cooking.
What are 3 general safety rules? ›
Posting of General Safety Rules
- Report all work injuries and illnesses immediately.
- Report all Unsafe Acts or Unsafe Conditions to your Supervisor.
- Use seat belts when on Company business in any vehicles.
- Firearms, weapons, or explosives are not permitted on Company Property.
Clean—Wash hands and surfaces often. Separate—Don't cross-contaminate. Cook—Cook to proper temperatures, checking with a food thermometer. Chill—Refrigerate promptly.
What are 3 ways of grilling food? ›
Virtually all cooking on gas and/or charcoal grills can be divided into three cooking methods: direct, indirect or combo. As the names imply, the difference between the methods is determined by where the food is placed in relation to the fire. The DIRECT method cooks foods with the direct heat of the flame.
What are the 4 food safety rules? ›
The four basic safe food handling behaviors — clean, separate, cook, and chill — will keep our food safe. Food safety risks at home are common. Learn more about each of these steps: Clean!
