Before any event where food is being prepared, checking and reviewing your camp cooking equipment and related items is essential. This checklist may be of help.

GAS

Cooking equipment is a particular risk so here’s a quick check list to use with your cookers. It is also important to keep up to date with the latest information: see this link:

https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/keeping-safe-at-camp/using-gas-safely/

•     Gas hoses (tube) should be checked for condition and should be no older than 5 years. While the black low-pressure tube may be suitable the orange high pressure is resistant to oils and won’t perish from cooking grease.

•      Regulators should not be more than 10 years old. Using the clip-on type takes away any concern of ensuring tightness of connection.

•      Both tubes and regulators should display the manufactured date and BS EN number, if either are missing It’s too old or not suitable.

•     All tubes must be fully engaged and secured with clip (jubilee or crimp type) T junctions that are permanently secured should not be used. Tubes should be as short as possible, long tubes cause significant and potentially fatal danger. Your equipment manufacturer may have a maximum length. Check for leaks with a leak detector spray after fitting tubes or regulators.

•      Pierce-able cylinders should not be used, also, the cheap clip in cartridge cookers (normally in a plastic case) are generally poor quality and prone to leak.

•     When using Trangia type cookers you should consider fuel types carefully, ask if you can be happy with the added risk of methylated spirits when completing a risk assessment? Gas conversions or gel fuel are much safer.

•      Keep all cooking areas well ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide risk.

More information is available here:

https://www.calor.co.uk/gas-bottles/advice/emergencies



https://www.liquidgasuk.org/uploads/DOC5FE0C7E19ED2F.pdf

ELECTRICITY

•      To ensure safety any electrical appliances, including chargers and extension leads should be Portable Appliance Tested (PAT).

•    Generators must have an earth spike, and have suitable ventilation. Take extra care when filling fuel tanks. Young people should not operate generators.

OTHER COOKING RELATED CONSIDERATIONS

•      Check the condition and expiry dates of fire extinguishers and fire blankets, and have fire buckets readily available.

•      Encourage everyone to squat rather than sit near low fires to enable quick escape.

•      Acidic food and drink such as fruit squash, tomatoes etc. should not be stored in aluminium jugs or pots overnight or for long periods.