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Barbecue Safety
Over the past several years outdoor barbecues have become very popular. This popularity has created problems from burns, fire, explosion, and CO fumes. Sometimes we forget that propane gas is explosive. We also forget that charcoal can burn hot. A flame hot enough to cook meat is hot enough to burn us. Here are some tips for the different kinds of cooking devices for the outdoor barbecues. It is important first of all to remember that these devices are designed for outdoor use.
Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
· It is not safe to burn charcoal inside of homes or inclosed areas such as tents, campers, or vehicles. This is true even if there is ventilation provided. · Burning charcoal should never be left unattended until the fire is completely out. A vessel that is used to burn charcoal can become hot and there may be both a fire and a burn hazard, especially around younger children.
· The products of combustion of charcoal produces CO fumes. This process continues as long as the charcoal is burning. If the charcoal is not completely extinguished do not move the grill inside or into an area of limited ventilation. It is best to remove the ash prior to any storage of the grill.
Gas Grill Safety Tips
· If you are using one of the older models of propane tanks, replace it with a new and safer tank.
· Always keep propane gas containers upright. Keep them secure to the grill to avoid them tipping or falling out.
· Make sure all the hoses do not have sharp bends or are not cracked , brittle, or leak.
· Keep your hoses away from heat and do not let the grease for the grill leak on the hoses. Use a container to catch the grease and keep it emptied from use to use.
· If you are using a spare tank, always keep it away from heat such as the grill or other heat sources.
· Heat will cause the pressure inside a tank to increase. Do not store the tank inside a structure or vehicle as the pressure relief valve works it will release the propane into the enclosed area and may cause an ignition or explosion.
· Do not store combustibles near the grill, such as lighter fluid or gas. Do not use a combustible liquid to start a gas grill. If you must manually light your grill, use a lighting device that has a long handle.
· Do not let the propane flow into an enclosed are for a time and then light it. This will produce an explosion. Have your lighting device lit before you turn on the gas.
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