BBQ Grilling Safety Tips

With the hot weather upon us it is especially important to be mindful of the dangers of outdoor cooking. Safety should be paramount when combining explosive fuels, hot metals, and large groups of people. Avoid the recipe for disaster by following these simple tips:

Location: Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in your trailer, tent, house, garage, or any enclosed area because of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Make sure the grill is placed in a clear area, away from buildings, patio covers, trees, dry leaves or brush. Choose a location that is away from high traffic areas, children playing nearby, and pets. And place the grill on a stable surface so that it can’t be tipped over by accident.

Barbecue Safety: Inspect your gas-fired barbecue grill at the beginning of every grilling season. Check for a build-up of “spider-webs” that inhibit the flow of gas to controls or for rodent nests in the area of the hoses/controls that might have been created over the winter.. Bugs and other critters can climb into little places causing gas to flow where it shouldn't. This can cause propane to back-up and ignite when the grill is lit causing an explosion and possible injury.. Also check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Before the first use of the grilling season, check for gas leaks by applying a soapy water or leak-detection solution around the connection between the gas connection and the grill hose connection. Bubbles will form if a leak is detected, if so, turn the gas supply off and call a repairman for service. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing that could constrict the gas flow to the burners. If your grill does not light within the first 5 seconds of trying to light it, turn it Off, and open the lid to ventilate the gas that has built up inside the cover. Wait 5 minutes and if you do not smell propane gas, you can again attempt to light the grill with caution. If the grill does not light the second time, turn the unit off and have it serviced.

Propane Safety: Store propane bottles/tanks away from potential sources of flame such as furnaces, water heaters or any appliance with a pilot light. NEVER store propane inside a residence or attached garage. Keep propane in a well-ventilated shed away from the house or any habitable structure. Always keep propane gas bottles/tanks upright, and in a cool area away from direct sunlight. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape. Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. Never start a gas grill with the lid of the grill closed as gas can accumulate inside, and when ignited, could blow the lid off, causing injury.

Charcoal Safety: If you are using a charcoal grill always use an approved lighter/starter fluid. Never use gasoline as a starter fluid or accelerant as this will cause an explosive fire. Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals. Dispose of hot coals properly by dousing them with plenty of water, and stirring the coals to make sure that the fire is out. Store coals in a metal container only, never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

Grease: Excessive grease can cause flare-ups that can be very dangerous causing severe burns and possibly leading to an uncontrollable fire. Always keep your grill clean, whether it is gas or charcoal. A clean grill is a safe grill because grease can build up over time, and it’s easy to accumulate several pounds of grease at the bottom of the grill after only a few cookouts.  Place a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill. These heat resistant pads are usually made of lightweight composite cement or plastic and will protect your deck or patio from any grease that misses the drip pan. Safety First: Avoid loose clothing while grilling especially long sleeves, or apron strings. Use flame-retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents, and use barbecue utensils with long handles (forks, tongs, etc.) to avoid burns and splatters. Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand in case of emergencies, and never leave the grill when it is lit. Always have one person in charge of the fire to avoid any accidents or injuries.

“At the first sign of a grease fire/flare-up, turn off the gas supply at the controls (if not involved in fire),” advised Fire Chief Chris Mullin. “If the controls are on fire, turn off the gas supply (if this can be done without risk of injury), or at the supply (propane tank, gas valve from residence if a natural gas grill). Call 9-1-1- to report the incident, and the Fire Department will respond to ensure that the fire is out and the gas is properly turned off.”

“Gas grills produce a great deal of heat that can melt through hoses, knobs and other parts. Assume everything is third degree burn hot,” Mullin added. “Never attempt to move a hot grill. It’s easy to stumble or drop it and could result in serious burns.” For more information on fire safety and prevention, go to the Township website: www.livingstonnj.org. Click on “fire” in the left hand column for the Livingston Fire Department information page.