People are starting to prepare for barbeque season, and while for some perhaps not realising their charcoal can be lit with Calor gas, a bag of charcoal will do, for others, they prefer cooking with Patio gas.
England saw the most searches nationally with 308,540 of the total found within its cities. Scotland came second with 28,460. Wales was close behind with 23,240 and Northern Ireland seemed to have the least hope for barbeque season with just 13,130 searches in total.
Stuart Fergusson of Jefferson Gas gave his advice on using gas bottles safely:
“Although gas bottles are a very safe method of storing gas to use for heaters and barbeques, but there are some additional measures you can take to ensure that your summer stays fun.
“Make sure your bottles are stored upright, and secured to ensure they won’t fall or be knocked over. Always store Propane bottles outside as it is a more volatile gas than Butane. Make sure the area is well ventilated and as clean and dry as possible.
“When not using your outdoor gas appliance, then disconnect your Patio gas regulator from the cylinder, as over the winter months the regulator may oxidise causing it to stick to the cylinder valve. Many customers have problems disconnecting their empty cylinder for refill in their first BBQ gas bottle replacement of the season!
“When connecting your bottle, make sure your lines are secure and check them for any cracks or breaks. You can do this by coating the line in a mix of water and simple dish soap. If any bubbles form along the line, then gas may be escaping, and the line should be repaired or replaced.
“Always make sure you’re using the correct regulator and connectors for the pressure levels you’re using. This will help to protect against any potential leaks or issues and is an important safety measure.”