Grill Safety

Grilling is fun but can pose a safety hazard. Here are several safety tips to keep your parties from turning into a disaster.

General Grill Use

1. Use the grill away from structures such as your house or balcony, overhanging trees, and eaves. Half of fires started by grills are because they were too close.
2. Only use grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Grills emit carbon monoxide, as do all burning items.
3. Keep kids and pets away from the grill. Establish a 3 foot off-limits zone.
4. Use long handled tools when handling food on the grill.
5. Keep your shirt sleeves rolled up.
6. Clean the grill periodically to keep grease at bay.
7. Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.

Charcoal Grill Use

1. Only use lighter fluid designated for grills to start a fire. Better yet use a chimney to start the fire (that is what I use)
2. Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.

Gas Grill Use

1. When lighting a grill, keep the top open.
2. After connecting the cylinder to a propane gas grill burner for the first time, use a leak-detection solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid soap) to check connections for tightness.
3. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
4. Do not allow children to tamper with the cylinder or grill.
5. Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
6. When a grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep clean.
7. Always follow grill manufacturer’s instructions and keep written materials accessible.
8. When finished grilling, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
9. If you smell gas, turn off the grill immediately and get away from it.

Proper Cylinder Handling

1. When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust, or leaks.
2. After filling or exchanging a cylinder, take it home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped.
3. Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.
4. Do not use, store, or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).

Hat tip to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).