Take Safety Home: Grilling Safety

Summer is just about to kick off, so let’s take a moment to talk about grilling safety. The two biggest concerns when it comes to grilling and safety are burns and fires. Before firing up the BBQ this weekend, make sure you take into account these important safety tips:

General Grilling Safety

  • Only use your grill outdoors.
  • Keep the grill away from the house and out from underneath eaves or second-floor decks.
  • Don’t leave the grill unattended.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it.
  • Keep pets and small children away from the grill.
  • Clean the grill either before or after each use. Make sure to remove all grease and fat buildup from the trays underneath.
  • Do not operate a grill if you’re intoxicated.
  • Cook all food thoroughly to avoid salmonella poisoning or other harmful bacteria buildup.
  • Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns.

Charcoal Grills

  • Add starter fluid before lighting the coals, and never after. Do not add starter fluid to hot coals.
  • Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide. Avoid breathing in the fumes.
  • Do not store lighter fluid or other flammable materials near the grill and keep them out of the reach of pets and children.
  • When finished grilling, close all vents and let the fire burn out. Let ashes cool at least 48 hours before disposing of them.

Propane Grills

  • At the beginning of the season, use a soapy water solution to check tanks, hoses, and connectors for leaks. Brush the solution over the hoses and connectors. If you see bubbles develop, you have a leak and need to have it repaired or replaced before you begin grilling.
  • Keep the lid open when lighting the grill.
  • If unable to light the grill within 10 seconds, turn off the gas, leave the lid open and wait 5 minutes before trying again.
  • Never use an accelerant like lighter fluid on a propane grill.
  • When finished grilling, turn off the burner and close the valve on the propane tank.
  • When the grill has completely cooled, cover it with a grill cover to prevent leaves and other detritus from building up around the grill and tank parts and to prevent rusting.

Have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

This information is provided as a service to you by Compliance Consultants, Inc.

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