BRC launches disposable BBQ safety advice

In preparation for high temperatures this summer, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has come together with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to remind customers on how to use disposable barbecues safely and prevent wildfires.

  1. Only use in suitable, safe areas, with plenty of space around the BBQ, ensuring you follow any local rules or guidance on their use. Never use in enclosed space.
  2. Never leave a BBQ unattended.
  3. Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use.
  4. Follow the safety instructions provided
  5. After use, ensure the BBQ is completely cool before disposal. Empty cold ashes onto bare garden soil – not into a bin.

The advice comes as the BRC and NFCC launch their voluntary guidelines for retailers on the sale of disposable barbecues. The guidelines aim to “support responsible retailing, encourage retailers to educate consumers on safe use and disposal in order to prevent wildfires caused by disposable barbecues”.

The guidelines follow three key principles:

  • Retailers will respond to reasonable, evidence based Local Authority requests to remove disposable BBQs from sale. Retailers will have systems in place to notify stores within their network to remove disposable BBQs from sale.
  • Retailers will remove disposable BBQs from sale once an extreme heat event has been declared as imminent. Retailers should also monitor the Fire Severity Index, and decide whether a local or national ban is necessary.
  • Retailers will advise their customers on the safe and responsible use of disposable BBQs. This could include on-pack use and disposal information, or educational information on the shelf edge, digital platforms and/or print media.

Adrian Simpson, Product Safety Policy Adviser at the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Disposable barbecues provide a great way for people to enjoy the summer outdoors. However, it is extremely important that users realise that these must be used responsibly. They must only be used in safe areas, they must never be left unattended, the safety instructions must be followed, a bucket of water or sand must be available nearby for emergency use, and the BBQ must be completely cool before disposal.”

Paul Hedley, Wildfire Lead at the National Fire Chief Council, said:

“These guidelines are a good start for mitigating wildfire risk caused by disposable barbeques. Retailers can take an active role in supporting community safety by responding to Local Authority requests to remove disposable BBQs from sale and respond proactively to imminent extreme heat. Additionally, members of the public should make note of local guidelines, only using disposable BBQs in appropriate areas and making sure that they dispose of them safely. We’d always advise taking a picnic and under no circumstances using disposable BBQs in the countryside at times of high wildfire risk.”