Have a safe Bank Holiday barbecue

Date published: 23/05/2008

Bank Holidays and a barbecue are common partners and both should be safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone. But cooking over hot coals can be hazardous.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: "It's easy to be distracted when you’re enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend and you have family and friends around you whilst cooking. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service urges everyone to follow some simple precautions to reduce the risks of barbecue mishaps."

To minimise the dangers, please follow this advice:

• Make sure that your barbecue is in good working order. 
• Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies. 
• Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs. 
• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches). 
• To start your barbecue only use Barbecue Lighter Fuel or Firelighters; never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids. 
• If there is a wind blowing, make sure that it is blowing away from you when you light the barbecue (just in case it flares up), and ensure that your not wearing any loose clothing that could flap on it and ignite. 
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area. 
• Alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidents occurring; always take care using cooking fires. 
• When you've finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it. 
• Empty ashes onto bare garden soil. 
• Never leave the barbecue unattended. 
• Never put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Gas Barbecues

• Bottled gas barbecues need special care when being turned on and off. 
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder. 
• Change gas cylinders in the open air if possible or open doors and windows to provide good ventilation. Never smoke whilst changing cylinders.
• When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls, to ensure any gas in the pipeline is used up.

Remember, barbecues should never be lit indoors and people should avoid drinking alcohol while cooking. If you are at the bottom of the garden make sure the front of your house is secure. Keep your house and car keys secure and out of view - even when you are at home.