Apron? Check. Tongs? Check. Safety? Check: Know the drill before you grill

Summer is synonymous with backyard entertaining, but before you fire up the barbeque it’s important to do a quick safety check.

Last summer, MFB and CFA fire crews responded to more than 100 barbecue fires involving LPG gas cylinders in Victoria.

Councillor Rob Steane said that gas barbecues, in particular, could be dangerous if not properly maintained.

“Gas escaping from your barbecue can lead to explosions or fires – LPG Gas is highly flammable and easily ignited,” Cr Steane said.

“So, to stay safe, ‘know the drill before you grill’. This means you should check that the gas cylinder, hose and connections are tight and there are no leaks.

“You can check for leaks by applying soapy water to the entire hose assembly, including the bottle’s valve and regulator, using a spray bottle or sponge. If no bubbles appear, it is safe to use.

“If you find a leak, turn off the gas bottle immediately,” he said.

“Also, always ensure your barbecue is a safe distance from walls, fences and other property,” Cr Steane added.

Safety tips

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 in leak test 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 LPG 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.

For more information and tips on checking and storing gas cylinders, visit the