GRILL SAFETY INFORMATION
Charcoal Grill
Safety
Each year there are about 20 deaths from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and about 400 emergency room treated injuries from CO poisoning from charcoal grills. Charcoal produces CO when burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. To reduce these CO poisonings and the risk of fire the following safety tips are offered:
- Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
- Since charcoal produces CO until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
- Keep children and pets well away from the area.
- Only use starter fluids (never use gasoline) designed for barbecue grills. Use a limited amount of starter fluid before lighting the fire. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. Do not add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result.
Gas Grill
Safety
Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is extremely flammable. Each year more than 500 fires occur when people use gas grills and about 20 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when the grill is used for the first time after it 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, the following tips are recommended:
- 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 any 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 grease. If you can not 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, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas at the tank and do not 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 any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, carport, porch, dry vegetation or under a surface that can catch fire.
- Never attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grill.
- Keep children and pets well away from the area.
Caution should also be taken when storing LP gas containers:
- Always store containers upright.
- Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill.
- Never store a full container indoors.
When transporting LP gas containers:
- Containers should be transported in a secure, upright position.
- Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, causing the relief valve to open and allowing gas to escape.
Always use extreme caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when connecting and disconnecting LP gas containers.