Tips for Having a Safe Barbecue

Factsheet

Landlord Services

BBQ’s

BBQ’s are popular through the summer but can be dangerous and anti-social when mixed with alcohol and parties.

Children playing around open fires can easily turn to tragedy. Hundreds of accidents occur every year involving barbecues including burns, scars and cuts.

Tips for having a safe barbecue

·  Always put your barbecue on a firm level base sheltered from the wind and well away from anything flammable including garden sheds, vegetation, fences, etc.

·  Never pour petrol or other accelerants onto a barbecue as these can explode in the face

·  Remember the metal parts get hot and can burn anybody standing close by

·  Have a garden hose or supply of water available at all times

·  Ensure the lit barbecue is in the care of a responsible adult at all times

·  Keep children away from the barbecue and remember to remove and secure any lighters or matches used to light the barbecue

·  Only use a barbecue in a well ventilated area

·  Don’t leave children unsupervised around a barbecue

Fire safety tips

·  Consider having a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies and fire safety

·  Use alcohol responsibly around barbecues

·  Fully extinguish the barbecue when you have finished with it

·  Don’t put hot ashes in your bin

How barbecues can affect others

You can help by letting your neighbours know if you are having a barbecue so they can close their windows, take washing off the line and take health precautions particularly if they have breathing problems such as asthma.

Barbecues mixed with alcohol, groups of people and music can be a nuisance so you need to be considerate of the people living around you. Everybody wants to enjoy the warm weather.

What does the tenancy agreement say?

3.1.1  You will be responsible for all repairs and replacements to your property which are needed because of deliberate damage, negligence or careless damage caused by you, your households, pets, or visitors to your home.

3.7.1  You are responsible for the behaviour of all the people, including children, who live in the property. The behaviour of people living with or visiting you can affect your tenancy whether you are aware of their behaviour or not.

3.7.2  You, your friends and relatives and any other person visiting you (including children) must not do the following:-

·  Do anything that causes or is likely to cause a nuisance to anyone in the area

·  You must take all reasonable steps to prevent damage to your home by fire, frost, the bursting of pipes or the blocking of drains.

·  You must not use the property in a manner which in our opinion is likely to cause health and safety hazard, fire hazard or encourage vermin and/or pests by hoarding items inappropriately.

June 2017