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Safety Considerations
Home » Outdoor Living » BBQ Grills » Safety ConsiderationsAs innocuous as it may seem, barbecuing can be dangerous if it isn’t properly approached. The list of safety tips below isn’t exhaustive, but does provide some general guidance and a few tips for each of the three types of BBQ grills.
General Tips:
• Assemble and use your BBQ grill in specific accordance with the requirements and guidelines set forth in your owner’s manual.
• Whenever possible, use utensils specifically designed for barbecuing. Sturdy, long-handled utensils are recommended in order to avoid burns or splatters.
• As tempting or necessary as it may seem, don’t leave your grill after it’s lit. If you must leave the grill for some reason after lighting it, either extinguish/turn off the grill or have someone else watch it.
Charcoal grills:
• Charcoal grills are designed for outdoor use, so don’t attempt to use a charcoal grill in an enclosed structure, since you face the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Gas doesn’t equal lighter fluid. Gas, kerosene and other unstable liquids are more likely to explode than lighter fluid, so don’t use them on your charcoal.
• Once your coals are warm or hot, don’t add additional lighter fluid, since you’ll face the possibility of a significant flare-up.
grilling/using-a-gas-grill/">Gas grills:
• Don’t ask or allow your propane supplier to overfill your propane tank. Most cylinders are only filled to 80% or less capacity, which gives the gas room to expand.
• Check your gas cylinder before each use for dents, gouges or cracks.
• If your burner doesn’t ignite immediately, turn off the gas for at least 5 minutes before trying again.
• Be careful with the storage of your gas cylinder. Never store the cylinder indoors, and ensure that the temperature of the storage area is moderate at all times.
Electric Grills:
• Before plugging your electric grill in, or before unplugging it after use, check to make sure that all of your control knobs are turned off.
• Check your electrical cord, its plug, and your connections for wear and tear before using your grill.
• Check your local ordinances and ensure that your grill is properly connected to a ground fault interrupter in order to avoid the risk of shock.
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