GRILLING SAFETY
By Amy Gordon
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General Grilling Safety
Safety Tips for Gas Grills
Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills
GENERAL GRILLING SAFETY
- Do not ever use a grill indoors. Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your home or any building.
- Never use a grill under any covering that could catch fire such as a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or awning.
- If small children and/or pets are around, do not ever leave a grill unattended.
- When using a grill around a wooded area, be aware of any overhead obstructions such as tree branches.
- A fire extinguisher should always be handy when grilling. You should also know how to use this equipment.
- Manufacturers instructions should always be followed when using a grill.
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SAFETY TIPS FOR GAS GRILLS
- Inspect the grill thoroughly to include the tubes leading into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders or grease. If a blockage is found, a pipe cleaner or wire may be used to clean it by pushing it through to the main part of the burner.
- All of the hoses should be checked for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. There should not be any kinks in the hose or tubing.
- Any gas hoses should be moved far away from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
- Any hose connectors in disrepair can eventually leak gas and should be replaced before use.
- Per the manufacturers instructions, check for gas leaks. Check to make sure you cant smell gas when you reconnect the grill to the propane tank. Under no circumstances should a match be used to check for gas leaks. If a leak is found, turn off the gas and do not try to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
- Do not smoke or have open flames near a leaking grill.
- The repair of a tank valve or the appliance itself should not be a self-repair project. The local home improvement store, hardware store or a qualified appliance repair person should be the one to fix the leak.
- Caution should also be used during storage of any propane tank. The container should always be in an upright position. Under no circumstances should a spare tank be stored under or near the grill or indoors. Flammable liquids, i.e. gasoline, should never be stored or used near the grill.
- When transporting propane tanks, they should be secured in an upright position.
- As of April, 2002, all tanks sold or refilled are required to have what is called an over-fill prevention device. This device protects against propane leaks that may cause fire or explosions.
- Under no circumstances should a propane tank be kept in a hot car. The heat will cause the gas pressure to increase which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape into your vehicle.
- Always follow the manufacturers instructions when connecting or disconnecting a propane tank to your grill. This will go a long way to prevent injuries or worse.
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SAFETY TIPS FOR CHARCOAL GRILLS
- Do not under any circumstances use these grills indoors even if there is ventilation. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes which are extremely harmful to pets and humans.
- Do not use gasoline or kerosene to light charcoal as they can explode.
- Do not ever restart a flame by adding additional lighter fluid to an already lit grill.
- Only use a UL listed electric charcoal lighter.
- Always keep a spray bottle of water nearby a grill to handle flare-ups.
- Make sure that the grilling surface is flat to avoid tip-overs.
- Do not dispose of hot coals. Always wait for the coals to cool off (which may take a few hours) before disposing of them.
- Hot coals can reach temperatures up to 1000 degrees F. When handling any part of the grill or cooking, use insulated, flame retardant mitts. Also, for safe handling of food and coals use long-handled barbecue tongs and utensils.
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