When the sun comes out in summer, don’t we all love a barbecue? We’ll even drag out the dusty barbecue on a slightly overcast day to tick that summer box before we’re deluged by rain! Then there’s a race in the supermarkets for barbecue ready ribs, burgers and kebabs.
Yes, it’s true; us British do love a barbecue. But in recent years, barbecues have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Councils across the country are pleading with visitors to tourist hotspots, like the Lake District and the New Forest, to not bring disposable barbecues as they are a fire hazard when not disposed of properly.
The problem was so bad last year that two supermarkets banned them and as many as 8,000 disposable barbecues were removed from sale, dismantled and recycled. But there are as many accidents with barbecues at home as there are outside the home.
So, how can you make sure your family and friends’ barbecue is fun and safe for everyone?
Top 6 tips to cooking safely on a BBQ
One thing people simply forget is that when cooking on a barbecue, you are dealing with a flammable 230-290°C fire hazard. Just because you’re outside, it doesn’t mean it won’t be dangerous; it can be.
To make sure everyone stays safe when cooking on a barbecue, here are our top tips.
1. Choose your barbecue area carefully. Make sure there is plenty of open space around the barbecue and nothing flammable is nearby. That includes overhanging tree branches and dry grass. Don’t have a barbecue on balconies or undercover. Make sure they are a safe distance from the house or any other structures and outbuildings. Always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
2. Take care lighting the barbecue. Always follow instructions when lighting the barbecue. Many barbecues these days are operated by gas so make sure it is properly connected and that the lid is open before you ignite it. If you’re using charcoal, be careful when using firelighters and never add to a fire that’s already lit. Don’t use flammable liquids as they are dangerous.
3. Clean your BBQ and utensils. To avoid cross contamination, you must clean your barbecue grill and utensils regularly. Use long-handled utensils to cook the food safely and avoid burning your fingers.
4. Prepare food carefully. If food is frozen, you must make sure it is fully defrosted before cooking. Don’t mix foods and cross contaminate. For example, if you have someone with particular dietary requirements, keep their food separate.
5. Never leave the barbecue unattended. When in use, make sure there is a responsible person with the barbecue at all times. Whether it’s to watch over it as it heats up, to monitor how the food is cooking and when it is cooling down. Remember, it takes hours for the barbecue to go out and can even be warm enough to cause minor burns in the morning. Always keep children and pets away from the barbecue.
6. Barbeque food appropriately. Different foods require different cooking times. Never put food on to flames as it will spark bigger flames and become dangerous. Make sure the barbecue is heated to a sufficient temperature to cook the food thoroughly, particularly with burgers, sausages and chicken.At Really Helpful Club, we love a barbecue too! Our Home & Leisure directory members can give you all guidance and advice you need for everything in your home. Join our FREE online community today!
