Ahead of the Easter holidays Highlands MSP is backing the Scottish Retail
Consortium's (SRC) advice to shoppers on the safe use of
disposable barbecues to prevent wildfires.
The SRC's existing voluntary guidelines for shops (voluntary-guidelines-for-disposable-bbqs-dbbqs-_final.pdf)
aims to support the responsible retailing of disposable barbeques
during extreme heat events, encourage shops to better educate
customers on the safe use and disposal of single-use disposable
BBQs, and help prevent the spread of wildfires.
The guidelines and practical steps for shopkeepers were developed
in partnership with manufacturers and fire and rescue services,
and encourage closer collaboration between stores and local
authorities when extreme heat events occur. Retailers are
encouraged to advise their customers on the safe and responsible
use of disposable BBQs. This could include on-pack use and
disposal information, or educational information on the shelf
edge, digital platforms and/or in print.
In preparation for the Easter holidays and better weather the SRC
is reminding customers how to use disposable barbeques safely:
- Only use in suitable, safe areas, with plenty of space around
the BBQ, ensuring you follow any local rules or guidance on their
use. Never use in enclosed spaces.
- Never leave a BBQ unattended.
- Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use.
- Follow the safety instructions provided.
- After use, ensure the BBQ is completely cool before disposal.
Empty cold ashes onto bare garden soil - not into a bin.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail
Consortium, said:
“Disposable barbecues provide a great way for Scots to enjoy the
Spring and Summer outdoors. However, it is essential people
realise that these must be used responsibly. They should only be
used in safe areas, never be left unattended, the safety
instructions must be followed, a bucket of water or sand should
be to hand for emergency use, and the BBQ must be completely cool
before disposal.”
MSP represents Skye,
Lochaber & Badenoch constituency. She previously hosted a
summit to learn lessons from recent wildfires in the Highlands
and to better prevent against such incidents across Scotland. She
added:
“It may not feel like it after a cold and lengthy Winter, but
wildfires are becoming an ever more present danger. Scotland's
retailers are encouraged to heed industry guidelines and make a
positive contribution to helping mitigate the risk of wildfires
which can be caused in multiple different ways. The public
themselves should take note of local guidance, only use
disposable BBQs in appropriate areas, dispose of them safely, and
avoid their use at times of prolonged and excessively dry weather
when there is a higher wildfire risk.”
ENDS
Note: The Scottish Retail Consortium's guidelines for selling
disposable barbecues are available at: voluntary-guidelines-for-disposable-bbqs-dbbqs-_final.pdf
