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Barbecues

In warm weather it’s tempting to take your cooking outside and light up the barbecue. Here’s some tips to ensure you cook as safely outside in your garden as you do in your kitchen.

  • Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue or any cooking!
  • Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
  • Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
  • Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on coal.
  • Never leave a barbecue or any cooking unattended.
  • Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste, long dry grass or any other items that catch fire easily.
  • Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire.
  • Never use or take a smouldering or lit BBQ (charcoal or gas) into your house, tent or caravan. Even if you have finished cooking, your BBQ should remain outside as it will still give off fumes for some hours after use and can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

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