Latest news
Summer 2019
energysafe issue 56
Know the Drill receives support
from fire agencies and Bunnings
By David Ranger, Senior Communications Advisor
ESV’s summer barbecue campaign
– Know the drill before you grill – is back
on air.
With support from the state’s fire
agencies MFB and CFA, we’re calling on
everyone to Know the Drill, as warmer
weather comes and barbecues begin
to light up.
The Drill is a series of simple steps that
ensure your LP gas cylinder is safe
before lighting up your barbecue.
“Barbecues are a social occasion, and
part of our Australian culture – we want
them to be happy times, not marred by
fire”, said Victoria’s Director of Energy
Safety, Paul Fearon.
According to MFB and CFA statistics,
firefighters respond to 300 barbecue
fires a year.
taking a few simple precautions which
could mean the difference between a
fun family celebration or a trip to the
emergency department,” he said
CFA Chief Officer and CEO Steve
Warrington said the community needs
to take a few simple safety precautions
before they relax and start cooking.
“Summer is just around the corner
and it’s going to start heating up soon.
We all love a barbecue when it’s hot so
it’s important yours is safe,” he said.
“If the connections on your barbecue
are loose, the hose has perished or the
cylinder has been damaged you could
be putting your loved ones at risk of
serious injury or even death.”
MFB Acting CEO/Chief Officer David
Bruce said firefighters witness first-hand
the very real trauma these incidents
can cause. ESV has also secured a trial partnership
with Bunnings to distribute our BBQ Kit
in their stores. Each kit comprises of a
soapy water bottle, magnet, gas cylinder
sticker and brochure. They will be
available from a select number of stores
across Victoria over the summer.
“Faulty hoses, leaky gas bottles and
poor cleaning practices are just some
of the causes of barbecue fires. Most
of these incidents can be avoided by “Leaks are common and can be very
dangerous,” Mr Fearon said. “Making
our soapy water bottles more accessible
could help prevent a tragedy.”
Know the Drill:
» Inspect the hose between the gas
cylinder and the barbecue for signs
of perishing or cracking – if the hose
is cracked or perished, replace it
immediately.
» Using a squeezy bottle, spray soapy
water (use dishwashing liquid and water)
on the hose connections.
» If bubbles form, check your connections
and retest. If bubbles continue to form,
do not use the barbecue.
» Leak-test the connection to the cylinder
every time you connect it or change
cylinders.
Know the drill before you grill launched
on Melbourne Cup weekend and will
run throughout summer on regional TV,
social media and at 7-Eleven outlets
across Melbourne.
To get a free soapy water bottle, or
find out more about the campaign,
head to our website at:
esv.vic.gov.au/knowthedrill
The Drill: Three simple steps to take before you light up your next barbecue.
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