Safety
Following these simple precautions, can minimise the risk of injury or the breakout of an unwanted fire:
- Use ZIP® charcoal and firelighters! They are designed to be the safest and most reliable.
- If using a liquid firelighter, then use the smallest amount possible. Do not squirt onto an already lit fire, as this will cause flames to flare up and potentially become out of control.
- Ensure that small children and pets are kept away from the flames and the hot barbecue.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand close by, in case of an emergency.
- Make sure the fire is fully extinguished before packing up.
- Never put hot ashes or coals straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.
Location
Selecting the right location for your barbecue reduces the risk of unplanned fires. Simply check that there are no buildings, trees, washing, etc in your selected barbecue zone. Once you have selected your site:
- Avoid cooking inside tents and buildings.
- Choose a flat surface, to ensure that your barbecue is stable.
- Be aware of the ground beneath you, especially if you are barbecuing in public areas, as peat turf is very flammable and a small ground fire could spread quickly.
Care
It is easy for barbecues to be neglected over the winter months. We recommend getting your barbeque in shape by:
- Dust the inside of the drum with a steel brush. For stubborn dirt, try a little soapy water or ZIP® Barbecue Cleaner.
- If you have any, use cat litter for soaking up the grease accumulated in the bottom of the base or pour it onto some newspapers and dispense of in the dustbin.
- Use a wire brush to remove the rust, grim and carbon build-up on your grill and grates. Wash with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- If your grill is really dirty, use a brush made out of steel wool or steel bristles.
- Coating vegetable oil on your grill will protect it from rust in the future.
If you have any of your own top tips for Responsible BBQ, then we would love to hear them! Please share to our Facebook page, tweet us, or send us an email.
