Skip to main content

Top Ten Barbecue Safety Tips

By April 29, 2013April 15th, 2018General Updates

As the weather begins to get warmer, many of us are starting to pull out our barbecues for a summer of grilling. With more Americans lighting their grills than ever before, it’s important to remember that a fun barbecue is a safe barbecue.  And if you manage a building that allows residents to barbecue, you may want to provide them with a set of safety rules to follow.

The below safety tips can be used as a guide to protect you while you barbecue.

1. The most important safety tip: Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand when grilling! You should also keep a garden hose or bucket of water/sand nearby.

BEFORE USE:

2. Placement of Grill

a. Store and use all grills on a large, flat surface that cannot burn (ex. concrete, asphalt).

b. Never use your grill indoors and never position it under or on top of anything that can catch fire.

*This includes in garages, under car ports, on porches, decks or balconies.

c. Keep a 10 foot horizontal and vertical separation between your grill and all buildings, trees and any combustible materials.

3. Check with your local ordinance codes to see grilling restrictions for your property. Follow these codes for your own safety!

4. Condition of Grill:

a. Check your grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks before using. If you suspect a leak, brush soapy water around all joints and watch for bubbles.

*Never attempt to repair a tank valve or appliance yourself. See a Liquefied Petroleum gas (LP) dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

b. Replace all scratched and nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

c. If you use an electrical starter with your charcoal grill, make sure the cord is properly insulated and do not use if it is raining or if the ground is wet.

d. Clean out all tubes leading to the burner for blockage from insects or food grease.

DURING USE:

5. Operation of Grill

a. Do not smoke or drink alcohol near the grill.

b. Don’t wear loose clothing that might catch fire.

6. Establish a safety zone around the grill. Keep children, pets and ball games well away from this safety zone and cooking area. NEVER leave the grill unattended.

AFTER USE:

7. Turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls to ensure all gas in the pipeline is used. Make sure barbecue controls are turned off and the valve cylinder is closed when the grill is not in use.

8. Make sure the grill or barbecue is cool before trying to move it. Once the barbecue is cool and turned off completely, clean, cover and store your grill.

9. Always store gas cylinders outdoors in an upright and vertical position. Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it may be exposed to high temperatures.

*NEVER store cylinders under or near the grill.

10. NEVER keep a filled gas container in a hot car or car trunk.

Skip to content