RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

May 26, 1999
BANK HOLIDAY BARBECUE PERIL

Bank holiday barbecues will be among a host of dangers likely to land 3,000 UK garden lovers in hospital this weekend, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.

Every year around 400,000 people need medical treatment following accidents in the garden. Misuse of garden equipment and tools results in five deaths. Barbecues alone lead to up to 1,000 annual injuries, including serious burns.

To combat the problem, RoSPA has produced a new garden safety leaflet, sponsored by Midland Bank.

Sarah Colles, RoSPA Home Safety Adviser, said: "The coming bank holiday is one of the peak times for gardening, with people weeding and tidying after winter and planting out for the summer.

"Surprisingly mundane tasks like planting, digging and mowing can all lead to trouble. Cuts from tools and thorns are among the most common injuries and could be often be prevented by wearing gloves.

"Electrical garden tools should always be used with an RCD - a residual current device which cuts off the power quickly in the event of an accident. Chemicals need to be treated with respect and stored away safely.

"Even when the hard work is done, relaxing by the barbecue poses a threat. Barbecues and garden fires must be kept well away from sheds and wooden fences. They should never be left unattended, and children must stay clear of them. Don’t use flammable liquids on fires and barbecues - they can lead to explosions."

RoSPA is distributing nearly 100,000 copies of its Guide to Garden Safety for use by home safety professionals throughout the country.