Barbecue Safety

However, it's important to be aware that gas and charcoal grills cause a large number of structure fires and outdoor fires in or on home properties every year. There are also many serious injuries that occur every year. How can you enjoy your barbecue but reduce the risk of fire and injury? Here are some recommendations for your consideration.

• Position your grill a minimum of three feet (one meter) away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes. Some recommendations suggest a much greater distance - as much as 25 feet - to prevent the possible spread of fire to buildings.

• Place your barbecue on a stable base. A wobbly grill is a serious hazard.

• Before using your gas grill, check all the connections for leaks. This is important whether you use portable propane tanks or have a direct natural gas line. The best way to check for leaks is to get some soapy water (mix some liquid dish soap and water in a dish) and put it on all the joints and connections. Watch for tiny bubbles to form. If they do, you have a leak that needs to be fixed BEFORE you light the grill.

• Check for grease build-up and clean if necessary. Excessive grease can flare in unexpected places at unexpected times.

• Check for badly rusted and corroded burners. This is the part of your gas barbecue that is likely to need replacing the most frequently. These parts wear out quickly... but the good news is, they are easy to replace. Many hardware and department stores carry universal replacement burners, or they can be ordered from your unit's manufacturer.

  Here is a picture of a badly corroded burner.
  
  
  
  Brushing away some of the debris exposes a large hole.
  
  
  
  This is an extremely hazardous situation. The heat from the excessive gas from this hole could cause external fires, skin burns, and even an explosion of the propane tank.

  If your burners are beginning to corrode, change them! It's an easy process and very inexpensive. It could save a life!

• Never leave young children unattended in the vicinity of a hot barbecue... and don't let them play close by.

• If using charcoal briquettes, use the minimum amount of lighter fluid necessary to start the coals.

• Always light your gas barbecue with the lid open. If it doesn't start after a couple of tries, turn off the gas and wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate before trying again.

• Loose fitting, flowing clothing is a hazard as it can be blown over the flame and ignite.

• Because you're dealing with fire, have a fire extinguisher or the garden hose handy or close by in the event of a serious flare-up. But if it's a grease fire DO NOT use water as it will spread the grease and flare up.

• When you've finished cooking on a gas barbecue, be sure to turn off the gas valve on the tank or on the gas pipe.

• Never bring a barbecue grill indoors (which can be tempting in bad or cold weather), or into any unventilated space such as a garage. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.

A good old fashioned helping of common sense will go a long way to ensuring that your barbecuing is safe and enjoyable!

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