Barbecue Safety Tips

Barbecue Safety

Safety First!

Charcoal/Wood Chunk Grilling Safety Tips

When using charcoal briquets or wood chunks, form a pyramid and douse the briquets/chunks with lighter fluid. Wait until the fluid has soaked in before lighting.
Lighter fluid should be capped immediately and placed a safe distance from the grill.
Never add lighter fluid to existing hot or warm coals.
Never use gasoline, or kerosene or other highly volatile fluids as a starter. They can explode.
As an alternative to lighter fluid, use an electric, solid, metal chimney, or other starter specifically made for lighting charcoal briquets or wood chunks.
After unplugging, remove a hot electric starter cautiously and be careful where you put it. Always cool starter completely before storing.
Never use an electric starter in the rain and/or when standing on wet ground.
When using instant light briquets, do not use lighter fluid, electric, solid, or metal chimney style starters. Do not add more instant light briquets once the fire has been lit, add regular charcoal briquets if more is needed.
Once the barbecue grill has been lit, do not touch the charcoal briquets/wood chunks to see if they are hot. Keep grill uncovered until ready to cook.
Vents should be open while cooking. Charcoal briquets/wood chunks require oxygen to burn.
Allow coals to burn out completely and let the ashes cool for at least 48 hours before disposing of them.
Dispose of cold ashes by wrapping them in heavy-duty aluminum foil and putting them in a non-combustible container. Be sure there are no other combustible materials in or near the container.
If you must dispose of the ashes in less time than it takes for them to completely cool, remove the ashes from the grill keeping them in heavy duty foil and soak them completely with water before disposing of them in a non-combustible container.

Gas Grilling Safety Tips

There are limits on how much propane can be put into a LP cylinder. The typical cylinder holds approximately 20 pounds of propane. This leaves some room for the liquid to expand. DO NOT ask the propane supplier to overfill the cylinder.
When the LP cylinder is connected, the grill must be kept outside in a well-ventilated space. When not in use, the LP cylinder valve must be turned to the OFF position.
If storing the gas grill indoors, the LP cylinder must be disconnected, removed, and stored outdoors. Never store an LP cylinder indoors.
The cylinder valve outlet must be plugged whenever the cylinder is not connected to the grill or is being transported, unless it is a quick close coupling or quick disconnect type of cylinder valve. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for handling of cylinders.
Always store LP cylinders upright and in areas where temperatures won't exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and never store a spare LP cylinder on or near a grill or any other appliance.
Always check for gas leaks every time you disconnect and reconnect the regulator to the LP cylinder.
Never attach or disconnect a LP cylinder, or move or alter gas fittings when the grill is in operation or is hot.
Never use an LP cylinder if it shows signs of: dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, corrosion, leakage, excessive rust or other forms of visual external damage; it may be hazardous and should be checked by a liquid propane supplier.
After a period of storage, and/or disuse (for example over winter), the gas barbecue should be checked for gas leaks, deterioration, proper assembly, and burner obstructions before using.
Clean and perform general maintenance on the grill twice a year. Watch for rust, paint the LP cylinder to make it more rustproof, and check the regulator, hoses, burner parts, air shutter, and venturi/valve section carefully. Always turn off gas at the source (tank or supply line) prior to inspecting parts. Check the owner's manual for any additional maintenance requirements.
Visually inspect hose(s) for abrasion, wear and leaks before each use. A soap and water solution may be used to test for leaks. Never use a flame to check for gas leaks. Replace faulty hose(s), using a parts replacement kit, before operating.
When lighting a gas grill, always keep the lid open to prevent a flash off from gas build-up.
Do not lean over the grill when igniting the burners or cooking.
If a burner doesn't ignite, turn off the gas. Keep the grill lid open and wait five minutes before trying to light it again. If the burners go out during operation, turn all gas valves to OFF. Open the lid and wait five minutes before attempting to relight, using lighting instructions.

Electric Grilling Safety Tips

Basic safety precautions should be used when operating this or any electrical appliance.
Never immerse or expose cords, plug or heating element in water or other liquid.
Visually inspect cord, plug and all connections for damage and wear before operation. Replace or repair prior to operation.
Before plugging in or unplugging electric grill, turn control knob(s) to OFF position.
Unplug electric grill from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
Electrical cords should always be secured during operation to protect against product damage or personal injury.
To ensure protection against risk of shock, electric grill should be connected to a ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet in accordance with local codes.
Do not use an electric grill in the rain.
Do not use electric grill near combustible or flammable materials.

Grill Cleaning Safety Tips

When purchasing a barbecue grill cleaning brush, buy a good quality product. Check to be sure the bristles are securely fastened and cannot come loose during vigorous cleaning.
Most brushes have a scraper on one end. Use that to loosen any burned on food particles, then thoroughly brush the entire grid to remove all traces of food.
Rinse the grid using hot soapy water and pat dry with paper towels or thoroughly air dry. To prevent sticking the next time you barbecue, now is a good time to give the grid a light coating of oil before replacing on the grill.
Remember cleaning brushes get a good workout each time they are used, so always check to be sure that bristles are still intact. If any seem to be loose or falling out, it is time to replace the brush with a new one