|
|
 |
Safe
Grilling Practices are
Key to Summer Fun |
|
Barbeque Grill
Safety
Each year about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills, causing
injuries. Many of the accidents happen the first time a grill is ignited for
the season or after the grill's gas container is refilled and reattached.
Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, review these safety tips:
-
Check grill hoses for
cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp
bends in the hose or tubing.
-
Make sure your grill’s
propane tank has three-prong gas valve handle. As of April 1, 2002, the
three-prong design replaces a five-prong handle as the safety standard.
-
Move gas hoses as far away
as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
-
Always keep propane gas
containers upright.
-
Never store a spare gas
container under or near the grill or indoors.
-
Never store or use
flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
-
Never keep a filled
container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to
increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to
create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible,
the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could cause an
explosion.
-
Never bring the propane
tank into the house.
-
When using barbecue grills
on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and
eaves.
-
Keep children and pets far
away from grills.
Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
Keep in mind that charcoal
when burned in grills produces carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless,
odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments.
Each year about 17 people die as a result of CO fumes from charcoal being
burned indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. To reduce the risk of CO
poisoning:
-
Never burn charcoal inside
of homes, vehicles, tents or campers.
Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely
extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
While grilling can be a fun
and tasty way to entertain during the warmer months, many people choose to
use their grills during the winter as well, especially during power outages.
However, there are some dangers associated with this activity. The following
are a few points to help keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe
while using a grill.
-
Be sure to keep your grill
cleaned and well-maintained. A buildup of grease or the use of faulty or
rusted parts is a fire and safety hazard.
-
Keep all unnecessary
people away while grilling, especially children. Horseplay or running
around a grill could cause it to be knocked over, causing injury or
fire.
-
If using a propane grill,
use caution when transporting and storing cylinders. If at all possible,
do not transport cylinders in the passenger compartment of a car and if
this is necessary, keep the windows open as much as possible. Do not
store cylinders indoors as even a small leak could cause flammable gas
to collect in your home, creating a serious fire and health hazard.
-
If using a charcoal grill,
use only the smallest amount of lighter fluid which accomplishes the
task. Be sure to store extra lighter fluid properly.
-
Never grill inside. Doing
this is a fire hazard, and could cause poisonous carbon monoxide to
collect inside the building. This is especially important during the
winter months as it becomes more tempting to grill inside, away from the
cold.
-
Keep your grill at least 3
feet away from combustibles, especially your house and deck. Be sure not
to grill underneath a deck, as heated gases could cause a fire.
-
Cook food thoroughly to
prevent disease transmission.
-
Use caution when consuming
alcohol and grilling. Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, so
know when to stop or have someone else take over the cooking duties.
NOTE: This list is not
all-inclusive. Please be sure to use good judgment and common sense while
using your grill.
If an emergency should occur, do not hesitate to call 911. A rapid response
by your local Fire and EMS department can drastically improve the outcome of
any emergency. It is always a better idea to call the fire department as
soon as something happens and be safe than trying to control a situation on
your own and having the situation worsen. We are here to help, and are more
than happy to assist you in any way we can! |
