8 Gas BBQ Safety Checklist Tips You Need to Know

The trusty gas BBQ is part and parcel of a typical Aussie summer, especially when we're hitting peak heatwave times of the season. But with the fun of sizzling sausages and perfectly cooked steaks comes the duty of care, and making a gas BBQ safety checklist can certainly help.

By following essential safety precautions as you cook up a storm, you can avoid gas leaks, fires and burns and keep your family and mates safe. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ with friends or a mid-week dinner outdoors, these simple but necessary steps will ensure your grilling is safe and stress-free.

1. Always Use a Licensed Gas Fitter

First and foremost, gas BBQ safety starts with proper barbie installation and maintenance by a licensed gas fitter.

In Australia, it is legal for an unlicensed person to connect and disconnect a gas cylinder to a barbecue if they have the skills to do so. However, carrying out DIY gas work more advanced than that without a license to do so is against the law.

Whether you have your BBQ connected to a natural gas supply line or it’s running off an LP gas cylinder, a licensed gas fitter will take care of everything safely and correctly. They will:

• Attach the barbeque to your supply line.
• Replace damaged hoses.
• Repair faulty burners.

The gas fitter will ensure your barbecue meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 (Gas Installations – Part 1: General Installations), reducing the risk of gas leaks, fires or other hazards. By using a qualified expert, you’ll have a safe and efficient barbecue and can cook without the risks.

2. Check for Gas Leaks

Just as you would with any gas appliance in your house, it’s well worth checking for gas leaks regularly. One of the easiest ways to do so is with the soapy water test. It’ll help you spot leaks around connections, hoses or valves.

How do you administer this test? It’s pretty simple. Just apply the soapy water solution to these areas and look for bubbles; this is as good a sign as any that gas is escaping from the BBQ. If you see bubbles or smell gas, turn off the valve and attend to the issue before using your barbie.

Ignoring potential gas leaks increases the risk of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards. By taking a few minutes to check for leaks you’ll have a safe barbecue and stress-free gatherings.

3. Clean Your Gas BBQ

Giving your gas BBQ a thorough clean does more than simply make it look good. It’s an important part of safety and good cooking, and is a worthy inclusion on our gas BBQ safety checklist. Over time, grease and food residue builds up on the plate and in the burners. This accumulated muck can cause flare ups or fires.

After each use, let the BBQ cool, then clean the burners, grill plates and drip tray. Dispose of grease in a metal container to avoid any flammable incidents. In no circumstances pour it down the sink – that will just create a multitude of other problems you don’t want.

A thorough clean of your barbecue lowers safety risks and improves heat distribution which means your food will taste better. A clean barbecue is a safer and more enjoyable cooking experience for everyone.

4. Store LP Gas Cylinders

Storing LPG cylinders safely is important to protect your home and keep risks to a minimum. We strongly recommend you:

• Always store gas cylinders in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
• Never store them indoors or in enclosed spaces as this increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks.
• Check your cylinders regularly for rust, dents or other damage. When you’re not using them, make sure you keep the valve closed.

Proper storage extends the life of your LPG cylinders and keeps you safe while barbecuing.

5. Keep a Safe Distance

Keeping a safe distance between your gas BBQ and anything flammable is crucial to reduce fire risks.

Place your barbecue on a stable surface, away from overhanging branches, fences or walls that could catch fire. Keep the kids and any pets away from the cooking area as the heat and flames can cause burns. Always use your BBQ in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation. Keep your setup clear of flammable materials like dry leaves or paper and you’ll have an extra layer of safety.

A little space can go a long way to having a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

6. Be Prepared

When you’re lighting up the barbecue, it pays to be prepared for emergencies. Having the right tools at hand can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Keep these nearby whenever you safely fire up your BBQ:

• A fire extinguisher for gas and grease fires.
• A garden hose to put out flames or cool down hot surfaces.
• Heat-resistant gloves to handle hot parts.
• A metal container to dispose of grease and ash.
• A plan to shut off the gas valve if you detect a leak or flames.

By being prepared you can fix risks and have a safe and enjoyable BBQ. Make this a highly important point on your gas BBQ safety checklist.

7. Follow Total Fire Bans

Total fire bans in Australia are essential to prevent fires and keep the community safe, especially in summer. So what does this mean for your backyard barbie plans?

It means on days when a fire ban is in place, do NOT use your gas BBQ or any other equipment that generates heat or flames outdoors.

Each state’s primary fire authority (e.g. the Country Fire Service in South Australia, or the Country Fire Authority in Victoria) individually declares these bans during high-risk weather conditions like extreme heat or strong winds when fires can spread quickly. Even if you’re 99% certain you’ve got your BBQ under control, stray sparks or heat can ignite nearby flammable materials.

Ignoring fire bans can result in fines and significant safety risks. Always check local guidelines, stay informed and choose alternative cooking methods on super hot days.

8. Inspect and Replace Hoses

The final item on our gas BBQ safety checklist is regularly inspecting and replacing your BBQ hoses. This is especially important for safety and to prevent gas leaks.

Over time, these hoses can develop cracks, wear or damage, all of which can result in leaks. Every time you plan to use the barbie, check your hoses for visible damage and test for leaks with a soapy water solution. If you find any issues replace the hose immediately.

Staying on top of your BBQ hose inspections and replacements goes a long way toward lowering the risk of leaks, flames or other hazards.

BBQ Safe and Let The Good Times Roll!

Staying safe with your gas BBQ is all about preparation, maintenance and following simple safety guidelines. From checking for gas leaks to safely storing your LP gas cylinder, these tips can make a big difference. Always use a licensed gas fitter for installations or repairs and be aware of fire risks by following total fire bans and keeping a safe distance from flammable materials.

Follow this gas BBQ safety checklist when you’re getting ready to throw some snags and chops on the plate, and you can reduce risks and have a worry-free cooking, every barbecue will be a safe one.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “8 Gas BBQ Safety Checklist Tips You Need to Know”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.