Here’s six things you can do to reduce risks in your outdoor space:
- Never store anything flammable on a balcony
- Clear any clutter
- Move sheds or storage boxes away from your home
- Get rid of any damaged or broken outdoor furniture
- Make sure nothing’s propped up against your home
- Always put cigarettes right out and dispose of them properly
BBQs
A BBQ is a great summer activity, but it’s also easy to get distracted and forget the safety risks. To avoid accidents, follow these simple steps:
- Never use a BBQ, fire pit or chimenea indoors or on a balcony
- Check your BBQ is in good working order before you use it
- Place your BBQ on a flat surface, well away from sheds, trees, shrubs or anything flammable
- Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
- Never leave the BBQ unattended
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
- Make sure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it
What if I’m using a charcoal BBQ?
- Only use enough charcoal to cover the BBQ base to a depth of about 5 cm or 2 inches
- Make sure you’re using cold coals before you light the BBQ
- Use a recognised fire lighter or starter fuel, using only the minimum amount necessary
- Never use petrol on the BBQ
- Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire
What if I’m using a gas BBQ?
- Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
- Always change the gas cylinder outdoors or in a well ventilated area
- If you suspect a leak to the gas cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – if you spot bubbles try tightening the joint to stop the leak, but don’t overtighten it
- After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning the BBQ off at the controls so any gas left in the pipes is used up