Support for voluntary guidelines over BBQ responsibility
MSPs from across the political spectrum have outlined their support for the Scottish Retail Consortium’s (SRC) Voluntary Guidelines for Disposable BBQs.
Ahead of the upcoming May bank holidays, Kate Forbes has submitted her support for the SRC initiative for the responsible retailing of disposable barbecues during extreme heat events.
Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: “It may not feel like it after such a damp spring, but wildfire is becoming an ever more present danger
“These guidelines are a positive contribution to helping mitigate the risk of wildfires which can be caused in multiple different ways.
“Retailers can take an active role in supporting community safety by responding to local authority requests to remove disposable barbecues from sale whenever there is an imminent period of extreme heat.
“Additionally, members of the public should make 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.”
The voluntary guidelines follow three principles, setting out practical steps for shopkeepers to follow in partnership with manufacturers and fire and rescue services.
They are as follows:
• Retailers will respond to reasonable, evidence based Local Authority requests to remove disposable BBQs from sale. Retailers will have systems in place to notify stores within their network to remove disposable BBQs from sale.
• Retailers will remove disposable BBQs from sale once an extreme heat event has been declared as imminent. Retailers should also monitor the Fire Severity Index – and decide whether a local or national ban is necessary.
• Retailers will 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.
David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said: “Disposable barbecues provide a great way for Scots to enjoy the summer outdoors. However, it is essential people realise that these must be used responsibly.
“They should only be used in safe areas, they must 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.
