Barbequeing Safety

Air Date: 4/12/2004

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It's that time of year when people are taking to the outdoors and lighting up their BBQ's.But before you go out and light your grill for the first time this season, here are some tips that will help make barbequeing safe and enjoyable.

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 and 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

• A lways 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

In Case Of A Barbeque Fire

• For PROPANE Grills - turn off the burners. For CHARCOAL Grills - close the grill lid. Disconnect the power to ELECTRIC Grills.
• For PROPANE Grills - if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off.
• If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911). If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property, ALWAYS DIAL 911.
• NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.

Difference Of Grill Types and Special Precautions

Propane Grills

The Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) reports that more than 500 fires and 20 injuries occur every year from gas grill fires and explosions of grills that have not been used for several months.

• Check the tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check with your specific grill manufacturer's instructions.
• Check for leaks EVERY TIME you replace the cylinder. Pour soapy solution over the connections and if bubbles begin to form, there is a leak. Placing the soapy solution into a spray bottle makes it much easier to apply. If there is a leak, turn off the grill IMMEDIATELY and have it fixed. Do NOT use the grill until the leak is fixed.
• Make sure all the connections are secure BEFORE turning on the gas.
• Never start a propane grill with the lid closed. Gas can accumulate and when the grill is ignited may cause an explosion.
• Only get propane from approved compressed gas suppliers.
• Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to it.
• Never store propane cylinders indoors or near any heat source.
• Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.
• ALWAYS shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle after you have finished barbecuing. Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards, such as leaks and faulty regulators.

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.
• 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.

Electric Grills

• Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any combustible material.
• Do NOT use any flammable liquid to start an electric grill.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions in the use of an electric grill.
• When using an electrical extension cord, make sure it is properly rated for the amperage required for the electric grill. Otherwise you could risk an electrical fire.

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