Posted By Derek Rooney MIOSH MIIRSM no - not the one with Will Smith - the American one. A group in Head Office who seem to be some form of morale boosting club have decided they'd like to celebrate this in July. Firstly - I thought we lost! Secondly they want to know what the safety implications, insurance etc etc might be. Have any of you ever had to look at similar sorts of events before? They are looking at barbecues, hay bales to sit on, plastic patio tables and chairs etc. Besides praying for rain or aliens - any ideas on where to start!? Obviously hay and barbecues may not go well together, there might be liability issues around food poisoning, (I guess the cooks should have food hygiene training/certificates - basic or essential?). Etc. Any pointers would be appreciated. thanks very much Dez

Posted By Paul Craythorne Derek, I trust that your morale boosting colleagues are celebrating St George's day with equal enthusiasm? Regards, Paul Craythorne

Posted By Jim Walker Derek, Unfortunately you need to risk assess the issues you have identified and more. As always, so long as you put into place sensible risk controls you should be able to have a great day. Whilst agreeing with some of Mr Punter's sentiments, you had best ignore him. His views don't match current law - it' a work activity however you try to spin it (I can provide references to prosecutions where the defence tried the "not at work" option). Nor does he have any idea of accident statistics; a quick glance will show how many accidents happen at these events, at home. Believe me, a child with 60% burns is no laughing matter.

Posted By Karen Todd Derek, As an aside - I was at my parents house for a barbeque. I came back outside from taking my Dad in some food, to be confronted by a trail of fire down the back garden and everyone rolling about laughing. It was a long thin perfectly straight line of fire, about 40ft long, and I was somewhat perplexed as a) I couldn't believe my eyes, and b) I couldn't figure out how it had happened. My wee bro had a mixing bottle of petrol/oil for his chainsaw. He decided to pour some of this on the barbeque as it wasn't going that well. The bottle caught, he jammed the lid back on it and threw it away from himself down the garden. However, the lid wasn't on properly, and as the bottle flew through the air, it drizzled lit fuel down below its flight path. It was like something out of Back to the Future! Karen