Barbeque safety

If you’re using a barbeque (BBQ), it's important that you know what steps to take to keep you and your family safe. To help, we’ve put together some guidance that covers all types of BBQs and fuel.

Follow these simple tips for BBQ safety:

never use a BBQ indoors or on your balcony
position your BBQ on a non-combustible flat surface, away from anything flammable like fences or trees
never leave a lit BBQ unattended
keep your BBQ well away from children and play areas
if you have pets, you may want to keep them indoors or out of the way
always ensure there is enough fresh air in the area where the BBQ is being used
be careful handling BBQs when you’ve finished cooking as your BBQ will take some hours to cool and still give off fumes

For more information on BBQ safety, please visit the London Fire Brigade website.

Follow these guidelines:

check all appliances are in good working order and hoses are attached and undamaged
replace any hoses that show signs of wear, stiffness or cracking
check that your gas taps (or valves) are turned off before changing gas cylinders – only change the cylinder in the open-air
be aware of signs of a gas leak – gas smells a bit like rotten eggs, so if you smell this it’s most likely a gas leak
be aware that most BBQs and ovens now have clip-on type regulators

Follow these guidelines:

only ever light your BBQ with approved materials or appliances such as BBQ gel, easy light bags, or firelighters – never use petrol or other flammable liquids
always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby to put out the fire if needed
when disposing of BBQs, douse them with water, particularly before placing them in a bin
always ensure there is enough fresh air in the area where the BBQ is being used
never use a BBQ indoors or in an enclosed space – burning coal produces carbon monoxide which can make you very ill
be careful handling BBQs when you've finished cooking as your BBQ will take some hours to cool and still give off fumes