OFTEC Issues BBQ Advice to Prevent Summer Burns

Barbecues are involved in hundreds of accidents in Ireland every summer. OFTEC, representing the domestic oil heating and cooking industry in Ireland, has issued top safety tips to ensure your barbecue doesn’t go off with a bang.

An estimated 1,800 people visit A&E following an accident involving a barbecue year on year according to Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System UK. The vast majority of barbecue accidents (1,400) happened in a home setting and could have been easily prevented by taking simple precautions.

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager said: “Barbecues are extremely popular in the summer but they create a significant safety risk. Whether barbecuing on a sunny day or more commonly in Ireland, under an umbrella on a wet day, barbecue related fires can have devastating consequences. There have been cases where lit or smouldering barbecues have been left too close to oil tanks in back gardens setting fire to the tank and its contents.”

“Oil is a very safe fuel, if stored and used correctly. OFTEC registered technicians include an oil tank check as part of your boiler service and we would encourage everyone to do this at least once per year. This is particularly important if your oil tank is over 20 years old. Technicians can also advise on safe locations for your barbecue as well as general protection for your tank,” added David.

Before lighting your barbecue, OFTEC recommends the following safety tips:

ï‚· Make sure your barbecue is in good order and is placed on a flat surface, well away from any flammable items or buildings

ï‚· Never light a barbecue on a balcony or indoors (that includes tents!)

ï‚· Ensure any barbecues are placed well away from gas and electricity points, as well as furniture. Resist any temptation to bring a smouldering barbecue inside as they can still release dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide

ï‚· Never add more lighting fluid to a lit barbecue; the liquid can ignite and move into the bottle

ï‚· Make sure your oil tank isn’t leaking and place the barbecue well away from it

ï‚· Make sure the barbecue isn’t left unattended and have some sand, water or a fire extinguisher nearby

ï‚· Leave embers to cool completely before disposing of them

ï‚· At the end of the summer season, make sure any gas tanks and barbecue fuel are stored properly and empty canisters are returned to a supplier

ï‚· If you use a gas barbecue, you should check the connections regularly and get a regular service.