BBQ Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Nothing beats the smell of a BBQ on a warm day but a great cookout should always be a safe one. Whether you’re a first-time griller or a seasoned BBQ fan, these essential safety tips will help keep your food, guests, and garden safe.
1. Always Set Up Your BBQ in a Safe Location
Position your BBQ:
- On a flat, stable surface
- At least 2 metres away from buildings, fences, sheds, and overhanging branches
- Well away from children and pets
Never use a BBQ indoors, in a garage, or inside a tent even if the weather turns bad. BBQs produce carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous in enclosed spaces.
2. Use the Right Fuel and Never Mix It
Different BBQs require different fuels:
- Charcoal BBQs: use proper BBQ charcoal or briquettes
- Gas BBQs: use the correct gas canister recommended by the manufacturer
Never use petrol, paraffin, or household fuels to light a BBQ. These can cause uncontrollable flare-ups and serious burns.
3. Light Your BBQ Safely
When lighting your BBQ:
- Use firelighters or a chimney starter
- Light it before food goes on
- Keep your face and hands well clear
If flames flare up unexpectedly, step back and wait. Never lean over the BBQ to investigate.
4. Keep a Fire Safety Plan Nearby
Always be prepared for the unexpected:
- Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher close by
- Never leave a lit BBQ unattended
- Avoid cooking in strong winds
If a fire gets out of control, call emergency services rather than trying to handle it alone.
5. Cook Food Thoroughly
Undercooked food is one of the biggest BBQ health risks.
Key tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures
- Chicken, burgers, and sausages should be piping hot all the way through
- Meat juices should run clear, not pink
Avoid guess work. Proper cooking prevents food poisoning.
6. Avoid Cross-Contamination
Raw meat carries harmful bacteria that can easily spread.
To stay safe:
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked food
- Never place cooked meat back on the plate used for raw meat
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat
Keeping things separate is one of the simplest and most effective safety habits.
7. Be Careful with Fat and Flare-Ups
Dripping fat can cause sudden flames.
Reduce risk by:
- Trimming excess fat from meat
- Cooking fatty foods over indirect heat
- Keeping the BBQ lid closed where possible
If flare-ups happen, move the food and don’t spray water directly onto the flames unless absolutely necessary.
8. Protect Yourself While Cooking
BBQs get extremely hot, so:
- Use heat-resistant BBQ gloves
- Keep long hair tied back
- Avoid loose clothing
Never leave hot tools lying around, and always assume metal surfaces are hot.
9. Let the BBQ Cool Down Completely
After cooking:
- Allow charcoal to burn out fully and cool
- Never dispose of hot ashes in bins or compost
- Turn off gas at the source, not just the BBQ controls
Hot embers can stay warm for hours and are a common cause of garden fires.
10. Supervise Children at All Times
Create a clear “no-go zone” around the BBQ and make sure children understand it. One moment of distraction can lead to serious injuries.
Final Thoughts
BBQ safety doesn’t mean less fun, it means peace of mind. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy great food, relaxed hosting, and memorable BBQ moments without unnecessary risks.
Fire up responsibly, cook confidently, and enjoy your BBQ safely.
