BBQ - is it safe to have one on Flat Balcony?

happyc84

their balcony is about 5ft wide; with slats on the floor for drainage to let the rain run down. Wouldn't like to be below them when the bbq falls over.

unforeseen

happyc84 said:

their balcony is about 5ft wide; with slats on the floor for drainage to let the rain run down. Wouldn't like to be below them when the bbq falls over.

Do BBQs have a tendency to fall over? Mine never have and I don't recall seeing any other one fall over.
Is there something inherently unstable about the BBQs that you are used to? 

happyc84

unforeseen said:

happyc84 said:

their balcony is about 5ft wide; with slats on the floor for drainage to let the rain run down. Wouldn't like to be below them when the bbq falls over.

Do BBQs have a tendency to fall over? Mine never have and I don't recall seeing any other one fall over.
Is there something inherently unstable about the BBQs that you are used to? 

London Fire Brigade website say 

t's great to get out in the fresh air and spend time cooking up a feast. However, barbecues (BBQs) can be dangerous if not handled responsibly, so it's important to keep safety in mind, especially when kids and pets are involved.  

5 ways to stay BBQ safe

1. Never use a BBQ – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony.
2. Be careful where you position your BBQ – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents. 
3. Don't use petrol, paraffin or any flammable liquids on your BBQ – firelighters are a much safer option. 
4. Carefully supervise children – little ones can all too easily trip and fall, while older children might hurt themselves trying to help. 
5. Be pet-aware – dogs (and some cats!) love to snaffle sausages and can cause accidents getting under your feet. To be really safe, keep Fido indoors, or at least out of the immediate vicinity of the BBQ.

unforeseen

happyc84 said:

unforeseen said:

happyc84 said:

their balcony is about 5ft wide; with slats on the floor for drainage to let the rain run down. Wouldn't like to be below them when the bbq falls over.

Do BBQs have a tendency to fall over? Mine never have and I don't recall seeing any other one fall over.
Is there something inherently unstable about the BBQs that you are used to? 

London Fire Brigade website say 

t's great to get out in the fresh air and spend time cooking up a feast. However, barbecues (BBQs) can be dangerous if not handled responsibly, so it's important to keep safety in mind, especially when kids and pets are involved.  

5 ways to stay BBQ safe

1. Never use a BBQ – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony.
2. Be careful where you position your BBQ – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents. 
3. Don't use petrol, paraffin or any flammable liquids on your BBQ – firelighters are a much safer option. 
4. Carefully supervise children – little ones can all too easily trip and fall, while older children might hurt themselves trying to help. 
5. Be pet-aware – dogs (and some cats!) love to snaffle sausages and can cause accidents getting under your feet. To be really safe, keep Fido indoors, or at least out of the immediate vicinity of the BBQ.

None of that answers the question about the instability, or not, of BBQs though that you mention. 

happyc84

let me think. person falls over or bumps into BBQ. Where does the BBQ go? What happens to the hot coals/ash/anything that falls below onto your neighbour below.
Having a BBQ in confined space is not sensible. 

tacticalbanjo

Depends on what type of BBQ as well as the size and construction of the balcony surely? Charcoal BBQ might not be sensible but a small gas BBQ would probably be ok if given enough space. It's quite common in countries like Australia for apartment owners to have a gas grill on the balcony.

Jenni_D

I think I need to get my eyes tested ... every time I see this thread in the forum list I think it says B&Q 🤣🤣

happyc84

Jenni_D said:

I think I need to get my eyes tested ... every time I see this thread in the forum list I think it says B&Q 🤣🤣

Only if they were having a Fire sale.

daveyjp

No evidence as yet this was a BBQ, but would you want to be faced with this situation?

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/fire-breaks-out-at-block-of-flats-off-granary-wharf-in-leeds-3266142

and the after effects of the water damage?

gollum007

Blunt answer:
If you're concerned, call the fire brigade.
They would much rather come out and have a conversation with someone doing something unwise than deal with the aftermath of a fire.