Don’t burn your bangers – or yourself!
With the summer almost upon us, it seems that now is the time to dust off the barbeque and get ready to enjoy our food alfresco!
It’s also the time of year to think about fire safety to ensure that the summer goes without a hitch, which is why Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering some timely advice.
Sub Officer Scott Moultrie from Coleshill fire station said:
“There have been a number of incidents recently and over the last few years where people have suffered from serious injuries when using their barbeque, most of these injuries were caused when using flammable liquids to get the barbecue going.
”There is nothing more dangerous than using Methylated Spirits, Paraffin or Petrol to try and start your barbecue. It may seem like a quick alternative, but what people don’t realise is that they are in fact standing in the vapour cloud of the flammable liquid, and if this ignites the effects could be devastating. In reality it’s the quickest way to casualty with serious burns to yourself or your family.
“So be patient and use purpose made firelighters or barbeque lighting fluid, which are available from most shops.”
By following a few simple precautions you can help to make your barbeque a safe one.
· Keep the barbeque well away from over hanging obstructions such as tree branches, and keep a safe distance from fences, garden sheds, tents and caravans.
· If there is a wind blowing, make sure that the wind is blowing away from you when you light the barbeque (just in case it flares up).
· Do not use any flammable liquid other than recommended barbeque lighting fluid, and only use this to light your barbeque and never use on a fire that is already lit. Never use Methylated Spirits, Paraffin or Petrol - It may explode in your face.
· Ensure that you are not wearing any loose clothing that could flap onto the lighted barbeque and ignite.
· When lighting the barbeque, do so at arms length (rather like fireworks) and do not put your face over the range.
· Keep children away from the barbeque when lighted and after cooking has finished, as it may still be hot. Ensure matches and lighters are placed out of reach from children.
· Dispose of the charcoal safely after the barbeque has cooled completely. Those using gas powered barbeques should check gas pipe lines before use and ensure that the gas cylinder is connected correctly.
In closing Scott said:
“The guidelines are there to keep you safe, so please try and stick to them, but the most important guideline of all is to have fun and enjoy your barbeque safely!”