NHSBBQA® - Safety First Safety Always

Safety Policy & Live-Fire Standards

Commitment to Student Safety

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to providing a safe, structured, and educational environment for all students, educators, volunteers, and community partners participating in NHSBBQA-sanctioned activities.

Because barbecue and live-fire cooking involve real tools, real heat, and real responsibility, safety is not an add-on—it is a core instructional outcome like in all CTE classrooms and labs. All NHSBBQA programs are designed to teach students risk awareness, hazard mitigation, accountability, and professional conduct, mirroring industry standards used in culinary, agricultural, and skilled-trades education. It is also a life skills understanding fire and food safety to use throughout an adult life and career.

Purpose of This Policy

This policy establishes minimum safety requirements and live-fire standards for all NHSBBQA-sanctioned:

• Classroom instruction

• School-based BBQ teams

• After-school programs

• Competitions, cook-offs, and showcases

• Camps, demonstrations, and public events

These standards align with:

• Public school district expectations

• Career & Technical Education (CTE) safety practices

• Youth organization risk-management protocols

• Foodservice and outdoor cooking best practices

Safety-First Instructional Model

NHSBBQA programs follow a progressive, scaffolded safety model, ensuring students earn increased responsibility over time.

1. Instruction Before Ignition - Fire Safety is covered at every event every time! 

Students must receive formal instruction in:

• Fire behavior and heat zones

• Equipment identification and safe operation

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Food safety and sanitation fundamentals

• Emergency response procedures

No live-fire activity occurs without documented instruction and supervision.

2. Adult Supervision Required

All live-fire activities must be supervised by:

• A credentialed teacher, or

• An approved NHSBBQA mentor or volunteer, or

• A school-authorized adult sponsor

Students are never permitted to operate live fire independently.

3. Age-Appropriate Participation

Live-fire responsibilities are assigned based on:

• Student age

• Skill level

• Training completion

• Demonstrated maturity

Tasks are intentionally differentiated to ensure developmentally appropriate engagement.

Live-Fire Standards & Equipment Safety

All NHSBBQA-sanctioned programs must adhere to the following standards:

Approved Equipment Only

• Charcoal, pellet, gas, and wood-fired cookers designed for outdoor cooking

• Stable, level surfaces away from foot traffic

• Equipment in good working order

Open flames, improvised fire pits, or unsafe modifications are strictly prohibited. NO gasoline, diesel, or liquid fire starter products are allowed.

Fire Safety Requirements

• Fire extinguishers readily accessible and required for each team and class per student group.

• Fire blankets are also required for each team or class group.

• Water source or fire suppression materials on site

• Clear fire zones marked and enforced

• No fuel storage near ignition areas

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Students and supervisors must use appropriate PPE, including:

• Closed-toe shoes

• Heat-resistant gloves when required

• Aprons or protective clothing

• Safety Googles / Eye wear.

• Hair restraints and food-safe attire

Food Safety & Sanitation

NHSBBQA programs emphasize industry-aligned food safety practices, including:

• Proper handwashing and glove use

• Temperature control and thermometer use

• Prevention of cross-contamination

• Safe food storage and disposal

• Clean-as-you-go workstation standards

Food safety instruction aligns with ProStart®, ServSafe®, and school district guidelines, reinforcing real-world culinary expectations.

Student Conduct & Behavioral Expectations

Live-fire cooking requires heightened discipline and professionalism.

Students are expected to:

• Follow all instructions immediately

• Maintain situational awareness

• Respect equipment, peers, and supervisors

• Refrain from horseplay or unsafe behavior

Failure to follow safety protocols may result in:

• Removal from the activity

• Loss of live-fire privileges

• Additional disciplinary action per school policy

Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response

All NHSBBQA-sanctioned activities must have:

• A clear emergency action plan

• Identified adult responsible for emergency coordination

• Immediate access to first aid supplies

• Incident documentation procedures

Any injury, near-miss, or safety concern must be reported promptly to:

• The supervising educator

• The host school or district

• NHSBBQA administration when applicable

Training, Compliance & Accountability

• Schools and teams must certify adherence to NHSBBQA safety standards

• Volunteers and mentors must acknowledge safety expectations

• Event hosts must conduct safety briefings prior to live-fire activities

NHSBBQA reserves the right to withhold sanctioning or revoke participation privileges if safety standards are not met.

Educational Philosophy Behind Live-Fire Safety

Live-fire instruction is not just about cooking—it is about teaching students:

• Risk assessment

• Personal responsibility

• Professional standards

• Team accountability

• Respect for tools, fire, and food

These lessons directly support CTE outcomes, workforce readiness, and life skills, preparing students for careers in culinary arts, agriculture, trades, hospitality, and beyond.

Final Statement

Safety is the foundation of everything we do.

By participating in NHSBBQA programs, schools and students agree to uphold the highest standards of care, caution, and character, ensuring that live-fire learning remains educational, empowering, and safe for all.