With Summer on the way, the sunshine brings barbecue season. However barbecuing is not without risk.
Barbecues are involved in many accidents that occur each year with vast numbers of people visiting A&E as a result. The most common types of barbecue-related accidents include cuts/tears by sharp objects/edges, burns, scalding and other fire related incidents.
Cooking and eating outdoors brings a new set of food safety risks that also shouldn’t be ignored. The undercooking of poultry and meat also usually leads to an increase in food poisoning with Campylobactor usually being the main offender.
To enable your business to enjoy a safe and fun barbecue, the following safety tips should be implemented:
- Have a suitable and sufficient risk assessment in place that would identify all the potential hazards. Factors to take into account include gas safety, fire safety, location and ensuing that the barbecue is not left unattended when in use.
- Ensure that your HACCP plan covers all elements of food safety and with all Critical Control Points to be monitored.
- The barbecue must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and staff should be adequately trained.
- The designated members of staff operating the barbecue must be appropriately trained to the required level for both food safety and health and safety.
- Never pour petrol, meths or other accelerators onto 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 completely.
- Never 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.
By following these simple steps you can ensure a safe and fun barbecue.
Do you need help with risk assessments, compiling a site specific hazard analysis or staff training requirements? CSC can help you, contact us today.
Source:
https://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/barbecue/
https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/general/barbecue-safety/
