BBQ’s and their Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Four in five are unaware of barbecue carbon monoxide dangers!
Brits are as concerned about damaging garden plants as suffering from CO poisoning when barbecuing
With half the nation (52%) planning on barbecuing an average of five times for family and friends in 2017, Gas Safe Register is issuing a stark reminder to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Recent research has revealed that the majority (80%) of people do not identify CO poisoning as a potential danger when barbecuing, instead selecting food poisoning (67%), burns (51%), child safety (49%), garden fires (29%) and drunken accidents (27%) as the main barbecue hazards.
In fact, CO poisoning was placed only slightly ahead of concerns about damaging the garden or plants (19%) when barbecuing.
Known as ‘the silent killer’, CO gas has no colour, taste or smell and can have fatal consequences. Gas Safe Register is therefore sharing the following barbecue safety tips and urging people to keep themselves safe by learning the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Barbecue safety tips:
Never use a barbecue inside
Don’t take a smouldering or lit barbecue into a tent, caravan or cabin. Even if you’ve finished cooking, your barbecue can still give off fumes, so keep it outside
Always ensure you can see your lit barbecue and don’t leave it lit whilst sleeping
Use your barbecue in accordance with the operating instructions
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning – headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
