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admin
Admin
24 Posts
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 Posted -
25/05/2010
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19:38
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RoSPA URGES SUN-LOVERS NOT TO GET SCORCHED BY BARBECUES
As millions of people prepare to fire up their barbecues over the weekend, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is encouraging those looking forward to a spot of al fresco dining to stay safe while enjoying the good weather.
Rarely does a year go by without reports of serious injuries sustained when something has gone wrong at a barbecue. Last time accident figures were collected on a national level, around 1,800 people visited A&E in the UK having had an accident involving a barbecue.
Of those people, around 800 had suffered a barbecue-related burn or scald, and 200 had suffered a cut. The vast majority of barbecue accidents (1,400) happened at home, with 300 occurring in a public place.
Sheila Merrill, RoSPA’s home safety manager for England, said: “With the weather forecast for this weekend looking fantastic, many people will be getting the barbecue out for the first time this year so it’s important to remember a few basic safety precautions, and plan your barbecue well, so that everyone can have fun without any trips to A&E. With the good weather set to continue throughout the summer, taking care with barbecues will mean that everyone stays safe to enjoy it.”
Barbecues should be fun, and will be safe if you prepare properly. RoSPA advises that barbecue lovers should take the following precautions: - When choosing a barbecue, stability is essential – ensure the one you choose is strong and sturdy
- Check the barbecue is in good condition (particularly if you have not used it for some time); look for loose or damaged parts requiring adjustment or repair
- Consider the location – level ground, away from fences, sheds and overhanging trees, which have been known to catch fire
- Never light a barbecue in an enclosed space
- Prepare the barbecue early to ensure it is at the right temperature by the time you want to cook
- Particular care should be taken in hot, dry weather to reduce the risk of starting a grass fire
- Never pour petrol, meths or other accelerants on to a barbecue. Some of the most serious barbecue-related accidents happen when people do this and the barbecue “explodes” in their face
- Use long-handled tools
- Be careful of steam when opening foil parcels
- Remember that the metal parts of a barbecue can become hot – don’t try to move it until it has cooled down
- Don’t leave children unsupervised near a barbecue
- Make sure the barbecue is fully extinguished before you leave it
- Take care when getting rid of a disposable barbecue, or barbecue coals – ensure they have cooled down before placing them in a bin.
If you are planning to have a barbecue in a public place, the same precautions apply. Ensure that you are allowed to barbecue at the location you intend to use – and never leave the barbecue unattended.
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RoSPA URGES SUN-LOVERS NOT TO GET SCORCHED BY BBQs
