BBQ Safety

Gas Barbecues are becoming more common, and they present their own unique problems. Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable and each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas-grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, you should routinely perform the following safety checks:

-Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects,spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear the blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.

-Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

-Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hotgrease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

-Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

-Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.

-Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.

-Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building.

-Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

-Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repairer.

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