Barbecue safety
Maybe it’s built from spare bricks and a resurrected roadside grill, or maybe it looks like something which resembles a yet to be invented time machine, gas or solid fuel powered, the science of barbecuing has been well documented. While the barbecue comes in as many shapes and sizes as the people who use them, important safety issues are often dismissed, or, at worst, simply ignored.
New research, conducted by BIS Shrapnel and Elgas, suggests Australians are not familiar with correct safety procedures using gas barbecues. It is estimated more than 66% of Australian households have a gas barbecue, but many are hurt or injured by incorrect gas usage.
Before use, particularly after some time of non-use, the gas bottles need checking. Are there dents or is there corrosion on the cylinder? And has it recently been tested? The hose needs checking, and the o-rings sometimes perish between summers and might actually have cracked. The gas bottle should always be in an upright position, particularly if it gets taken travelling. Adequate ventilation is essential when using gas to allow the gas to burn and burnt gases to dissipate. Ventilation is just as important when using wood and charcoal barbecues, but they bring their own dangers. Barbecues should never be used indoors because of the risk of toxic fumes and smoke.
For personal safety, never leave a barbecue unattended, as burning fat or oil can cause a fire. Ensure that electric cords, curtains, tea towels and even oven cloths are at a safe distance and be careful of long, flowing sleeves on clothing making contact with flames.
Watch children around barbecues, particularly toddlers and young children, to prevent burns. Grills can be unstable and curious eyes might want a peek at what's cooking. Lighter fluid, matches and coals must be put away from curious hands, making sure they're kept out of reach when not in use.
A question often asked is: ‘Can a barbecue be used on days of total fire ban?’ The short answer is: no! Barbecues that use solid fuel are banned, however, barbecues provided in public reserves and campsites can be used, providing it is electric or gas-fired, the barbecue is a fixed permanent structure, the area for three metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of flammable material and an adult is in attendance at all times. A hose connected to a reticulated water supply or vessel containing at least 10 litres of water must be on hand, which is a good idea at any barbecue, at any time.
During high fire danger periods, barbecues can be used, but once again, an area of three metres all around and above the barbecue must be completely cleared of all flammable material, with a person is in attendance at all times. Importantly, the wind speed must be less than 10kph (i.e. a light breeze that can be felt on the face and will rustle leaves on trees) and the fire is not lit within 7.5 metres of any log or stump. The importance to have sufficient water on hand in case of emergency, as with all barbecues, cannot be overstated.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) website gives excellent directions of the dos and don’ts of lighting barbecues under summer conditions. So get outdoors to cook while on holidays, or any other time for that matter, but don’t let the enjoyment of the barbecue be ruined with a nasty fire or accident.
http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/restrictions/can.htm#cancant1
Thanks to ABC radio