Guidance for burgering off

Branches are advised to ensure that certain things are in place before taking part in the 'Tell MoD to burger off' aspect of the day of protest action.

Firstly ensure that barbeques can be used in the location chosen – some parks have certain barbeque friendly areas. Annex 1 below has advice for barbeque safety.

We recommend that you risk assess the event before you start, for advice on carrying out risk assessments contact Eric Rothery: 01452 712612 ext 7544

Disposable barbeques on average need 30 minutes to get up to heat, more than one barbeque is likely to be needed. You must ensure that they have cooled before disposal and that it is disposed of carefully and sensibly. It is recommended that a bucket of water is kept nearby and that a first aid kit is readily available.

Ensure that there is facility to clean your hands before handling food – a hand gel may prove ideal. Do not handle food with open wounds on your hands; a “blue plaster” should be employed.

Food should be kept cool and hygienically stored prior to cooking, and burgers should be cooked from raw not frozen and served whilst hot. Advice re barbeque food safety can be found here:http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Barbecuefoodsafety.aspx

Bob Rollings
Defence Sector Group Secretary

Annex 1 – Barbecue Safety

Barbecues should be fun, and will be safe if you prepare properly. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises that barbecue lovers should take the following precautions:

• When choosing a barbecue, stability is essential – ensure the one you choose is strong and sturdy
• Check your barbecue is in good condition (particularly if you have not used it for some time) and look for loose or damaged parts that may need adjustment or repair
• Consider the location – level ground, away from fences, sheds and overhanging trees, which have been known to catch fire
• Never light a barbecue in an enclosed space
• Prepare the barbecue early to ensure it is at the right temperature by the time you want to cook
• Particular care should be taken in hot, dry weather to reduce the risk of starting a forest or grass fire
• Never pour petrol, meths or other accelerants on to a barbecue. Some of the most serious barbecue-related accidents happen when people do this and the barbecue “explodes” in their face
• Use long-handled tools
• Be careful of steam when opening foil parcels
• Remember that the metal parts of a barbecue can become hot – don’t try to move it until it has cooled down
• Don’t leave children unsupervised near a barbecue
• Make sure the barbecue is fully extinguished before you leave it
• Take care when getting rid of a disposable barbecue, or barbecue coals – ensure they have cooled down before placing them in a bin.

Tips for barbecuing in a public place:

• If you are planning to have a barbecue in a public place, ensure that you are allowed to do so at the location you intend to use – and never leave the barbecue unattended
• Particular care should be taken in hot, dry weather to reduce the risk of starting a forest or grass fire
• Take care when getting rid of a disposable barbecue or barbecue coals – ensure they have cooled down before placing them in a bin.