Don’t burn yourself or the snags on Australia Day

Some sensible safety measures can ensure Queenslanders spend Australia day celebrations with family and friends and not in an emergency room.

Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham says celebrations can easily turn into a medical emergency when a fire occurs due to poorly connected, transported or maintained LP gas barbeques.

“Australia Day is always a popular time to be outdoors and cooking a snag on the barbeque with family and friends, but I’m urging Queenslanders to be vigilant and use their barbeques safely,” Dr Lynham said.

“Recently we have witnessed some horrific injuries and some potential near misses, including a house fire on the Gold Coast hinterland from a modified barbecue.

“Simple checks can prevent serious injury to you and your loved ones.”

 Safety tips before breaking out the snags are:

• look for any damage or faults - fading, fraying, cracking or splitting fittings and hoses or missing ‘O’ ring seals.
• check the test date on LPG cylinders and look for any signs of damage on the cylinders or valves such as corrosion and damaged or clogged connectors.
• spray or sponge soapy water onto connections to check for bubbles to ensure there are no leaks.
• empty the grease tray, because overfilled drip trays can become highly flammable.
• only operate your gas BBQ outside, not inside a house or a confined spaces where lethal carbon monoxide gas can build up.
• secured gas bottles are transported safely - secure them while travelling and ensure a plug is fitted in the valve outlet and tightened to prevent gas escape if the valve handle is knocked during transport.
• use a barbeque-specific fire lighter if your barbeque doesn’t have an auto ignition.
• keep children and others at a safe distance when you light up.
• consider keeping a portable fire extinguisher nearby.

 For more information about using portable gas appliances safely visit qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/gas-safety and follow the camping safety Facebook page www.facebook.com/GasSafetyQld.

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Media contact:          Jan Martin 0439 341 314

EDS: re: attached image - The owners of this barbeque in the Gold Coast hinterland altered the grill to make a full sized flat hotplate, which directed additional heat onto the BBQ fittings.  The gas hose melted and the resulting fireball destroyed the barbeque and significantly damaged the house. Emergency services had to be called to put out the fire.