BBQ explosion sparks long weekend safety warning

Redcliffe’s Rachel Dear suffered burns to her face and body last month when her barbecue caught fire and, like many Queenslanders, she said she didn’t realise there were simple safety checks you can do to stay safe while cooking outdoors.

“As soon as I lit the grill, it exploded. It was so scary,” she said.

“I reached through the flames to turn the gas off and ran straight to the nearby beach showers. I was lucky I wasn’t killed, and I’m still recovering from the burns.

“I know now, there are easy checks you can do before lighting your barbecue that could potentially save your life.”

RSHQ Gas Inspector Paul Beaumont said easy tips – such as checking for gas leaks and never leaving a barbecue unattended – can help ensure the outdoor entertaining is fun, and safe.

“Barbecue fires and gas cylinder leaks can turn a weekend break into a nightmare so it’s essential people don’t get complacent when it comes to maintenance and safety,” he said.

“There’s an easy way to test for gas leaks, using a common kitchen product: a spray bottle. Simply mix water and dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle and apply it to the barbecue gas connection.

“If it bubbles, you’re in trouble. The best course of action is to turn the gas off and tighten the connection.”

BBQ safety tips:

• Maintain your barbeque correctly and only use it outdoors.
• Keep it away from any structures or anything that could catch fire.
• Check cylinders for damage, and ensure connections are clean and tight before lighting.
• Check for gas leaks – use the soapy water test. If in doubt, consult a professional.
• If a gas leak occurs, shut off the cylinder immediately.
• Never place flammable liquids on a barbecue.
• Keep children away and never leave a barbecue unattended.

Mr Beaumont said Aussies should always check their gas cylinder is in good condition and that the hoses haven’t frayed.

“Hoses dry out and become brittle over time which can lead to cracks,” he said.

“New valves have an inbuilt safety function that won't allow the gas to flow unless the
connection has been properly made, so it might be time to replace yours.

“The new valve allows you to connect an appliance with the older style connection, but if you have a new appliance connection, look for a cylinder with the new safer valve. Using adaptors to connect new appliance hoses to older style cylinders is dangerous.”

For more barbecue safety tips, visit RSHQ’s website.

ENDS

Media contact

Anna Hartley

0457 094 250

media@rshq.qld.gov.au

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