BBQ SAFETY
June 25, 2006

Summer is in full swing and many of us are ready to east some deliciously tasting barbequed food. Before the ignition button is pushed or the charcoal is lit, REMSA would like to remind people of some basic safety precautions.

Before Starting Your Barbeque:

Test hoses for leaks

• make sure all control knobs are off
• move barbeque to a well ventilated area
• connect the gas supply to the barbeque and check for leaks
• slowly open propane cylinder valve and apply a soap/water solution to all connections
• check for expanding bubbles, which indicate a leak
• repair all leaks before lighting barbeque

Check for Insect Nests & Spider Webs

• fires can result from the venturi tubes under the burners becoming clogged with spider webs and insect nests
• use a flexible brush to clean out the metal tubes
• it is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning instructions

Replace Worn & Rusted Parts

• this will prevent leaks and help keep everyone safe while grilling
  Clean Everything Thoroughly
• check inside of barbeque for any blockages and clean them out

Safety Tips While Barbequing:

Light it Right

• it is always best to follow manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the barbeque
  • make sure barbeque is on level ground, and away from windows and anything flammable
  • open the lid before turning on the fuel
  • make sure gas valve on barbeque is shut off
  • open valve on propane tank fully
  • light match or depress barbeque igniter
  • turn on gas valve on barbeque
  • make sure color of flames are blue with a small yellow tip

Always Barbeque Outside

• barbeques are designed to be operated outside only!!!
• keep barbeque at least 3 feet away from house or cottage
• when barbeque is not in use, keep it covered and in a shaded area
• do not store propane cylinders indoor; and do not store a spare cylinder under the barbeque

Keep Kids at a Safe Distance

• since surfaces of barbeque are hot and can cause severe burns, make sure to keep kids at a safe distance – a barbeque is not a toy to play with or play around

Never Leave a Barbeque Unattended

• not only can leaving a lit barbeque unattended ruin a dinner, it can be a safety hazard as grease flare-ups can start fires, causing considerable damage

Shutting it Down

• always shut the propane cylinder valve off first to let all propane/natural gas clear from the lines
• make sure to shut off the gas valve at the barbeque once the flames have extinguished
• always close the lid to protect the barbeque from damage and from rain

Transporting your Propane Cylinder

• make sure all valves are closed, that the service valve plugs/caps are in place, and that it is in an upright position
• always secure tank in vehicle propane cylinders that are more than 10 years old must be re-certified by an approved facility

Charcoal Grills:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that every year about 20 deaths and 400 injuries are treated resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning from charcoal grills.

• Due to the production of carbon monoxide when charcoal is burned, charcoal grills should not be used inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers, even if ventilation is provided. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you will not be alerted to the danger until it is too late.
  Never use any flammable liquid other than barbecue starter fluid to start a charcoal barbecue.
• Use the starter fluid sparingly and never put it on an open flame.
• Never add fire starter after you have started your barbecue to speed a slow fire or rekindle a dying fire. The flame can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
• Remove the charcoal ashes from the grill and place them into a metal container with a tight-fitting metal lid. Add and mix in water with the ashes, and set aside for several days. Dispose of the mixture in accordance with the Department of Sanitation's guidelines.
• Remove the ashes only after they are completely cooled and no warm embers remain.
• Always soak coals with water after cooking; they retain their heat for long periods of time.
• Keep damp or wet coals in a well ventilated area. During the drying process, spontaneous combustion can occur in confined areas.

To set up a media interview with a REMSA representative, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116.

REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720