Avoid a sizzle and barbecue safely

Simple gas barbecue safety tips to practise this season in Bayside.

Last summer in Victoria, there were over 100 dangerous barbecue fires involving LP Gas cylinders. That’s more than one fire every day of summer. Some of those barbecue fires turned into house fires, resulting in serious burns and the loss and damage of family homes. 

So, to stay safe from barbecue fires, know the drill before you grill.

The drill

Follow these simple steps every time you use your barbecue:

Inspect the hose for signs of perishing or cracking – if the hose is cracked or perished, don’t use the BBQ until the hose has been replaced. Use a squeezy bottle filled with soapy water to check the connection for gas leaks (use dishwashing liquid and water). Squirt the connection with the suds from the soapy water solution.– Bubbles will form if gas is escaping.– Leak-test the connection to the cylinder every time you connect it or change cylinders.– Serious leaks are common and can be very dangerous.– Check and leak test the connection every time you barbecue. If no bubbles appear, you’re safe to cook.

What to do if you see bubbles:

Switch off the gas immediately Re-check the hose to make sure it hasn’t perished Re-check connections to make sure they are tight – get into the habit of doing this regularly Check that the O ring on the connection hasn’t perished Check the gas cylinder for damage– Note: you can’t refill an LP Gas cylinder if it hasn’t been tested for over 10 years, or if the cylinder has been damaged. Always exchange LP Gas cylinders at a reputable supplier. Re-test with soapy water, and if bubbles still form turn off the gas. Your LP Gas cylinder or hose may need replacing.

Watch this video for more advice on how to prepare.