Every year, thousands of Americans are injured while using backyard barbecue grills. It’s usually a case of good products used incorrectly. Before you plan your next cookout, review these top ten BBQ safety tips!
The most important safety tip is to always keep a fire extinguisher on hand when grilling. You should also keep a garden hose or bucket of water or sand nearby.
BEFORE USE:
- Placement of grill
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- Store and use all grills on a large, flat surface that cannot burn, such as concrete or asphalt.
- Never use a grill indoors, and never position it under or on top of anything that can catch fire. This includes garages, under carports, porches, decks, or balconies.
- Keep a 10-foot horizontal and vertical separation between your grill and all buildings, trees, and combustible materials. Follow the same guidelines for tiki torches.
- Check your local ordinance codes for grilling restrictions on your property. Follow these codes for your own safety!
- Condition of grill:
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- 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 (LP) gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
- Replace all scratched and nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
- If you use an electric starter with your charcoal grill, make sure the cord is properly insulated and do not use if it is raining or the ground is wet.
- Clean out all tubes leading to the burner for blockage from insects or food grease. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner or wire to push it through to the main part of the burner.
DURING USE:
- Operation of Grill
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol near the grill. Keep all lit cigarettes, matches, and open flames away from it.
- Don’t wear loose clothing that might catch fire.
- Establish a safety zone around the grill. Keep children, pets, and ball games well away from this zone and the cooking area.
- NEVER leave the grill unattended.
AFTER USE:
- Turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls to ensure any gas in the pipeline is used up. Make sure to turn off all the barbecue controls and the valve cylinder is closed when the grill is not in use.
- 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.
- Always store gas cylinders upright and vertically outdoors. Do not use, store, or transport your cylinder where it may be exposed to high temperatures.NEVER store cylinders under or near the grill.
- NEVER keep a filled gas container in a hot car or trunk. Heat increases gas pressure, which causes the relief valve to open and allows gas to escape.
Check out our Summer Survival Kit for more tips on how to keep your community association in top shape for summer weather maintenance, and contact us with any questions.
