BBQ safety for big family gatherings

Burning pellets produces carbon monoxide. Never use the grill indoors, in a garage, tent or enclosed or partly enclosed space. Open doors, windows or a fan do not make an indoor BBQ safe. Keep the grill away from openings into the home.

Use a stable, non-combustible surface and follow the appliance clearances from things that can burn. Keep guest routes and exits clear of the grill. If weather makes the outdoor location unsuitable, stop as instructed rather than moving the fire under an enclosure.

Agree on a clearly separated cooking area away from play and serving queues. Keep children and pets out of it, and store spare fuel, packaging and starter away from heat and their reach. Do not use a table full of guests as the place to store fuel supplies.

Assign an adult to supervise through lighting, cooking and cooling. When that person breaks for iftar, prayers or another task, hand responsibility directly to another adult. Use only compatible fuel and a grill-approved starter as labelled; never add starter to a burning or hot fire.

Put the fire out using the appliance’s shutdown procedure, not an improvised method. Do not assume every grill can be handled the same way or pour water into an appliance unless its instructions permit it. Keep people away while the fuel and ash cool completely outdoors.

Do not move a hot or smouldering grill inside, put hot ash in a bag or leave it unattended because flames have stopped. If anyone feels unwell near the fire or carbon monoxide exposure is suspected, leave for fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical help rather than investigating the source.

Can a fan make an enclosed BBQ area safe?

No. Never burn pellets indoors or in enclosed or partly enclosed spaces. Choose a genuinely open outdoor location and follow the grill clearances.

When can I clean up the ash?

Only after the fuel and ash have cooled completely outdoors, following the appliance instructions. Flames stopping does not mean the ash is cold.