Barbeque Grill Safety Tips
Each year, the improper use of barbeque grills results in
20,000 visits to emergency rooms.

Sizzling Barbeque Statistics:

• More than 76 percent of American households own a grill,
• 6,100 accidental fires and explosions occur due to the improper use of grills,
• Resulting in 20,000 emergency room visits and
• $29.1 million of estimated damage.

At the end of the barbeque season last year, you probably did like most of us and threw a cover over the old grill, rolled it into the back of the garage or a shed (and some of us even left them standing outside on the patio), and tucked it away for the season.

Before you fire up your grill again this season, below are a few simple things to do to ensure that your grill operates all season safely and without issue.

Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

• 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 an awning or any under covering that can catch fire.
• Never leave the grill unattended, especially when small children and pets are present.
• Be cautious of overhead obstructions, including tree branches, while grilling.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy when grilling and know how to properly use it.
• Always follow the manufacturers' instructions that accompany the grill.

UL's Consumer Affairs manager John Drengenberg said, "A few simple precautions around the barbecue grill can not only protect the chef but also the hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks."

Gas Grill Safety Tips

• Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear 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 kinks in the hose or tubing. Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
• Replace scratched or frayed 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 propane tank. NEVER use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
• Keep lit cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. Take it to your local home improvement store, hardware store or a qualified appliance repairperson.
• You should use caution when storing your propane tank. Always keep the containers upright. Never store a spare tank under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
• To avoid accidents while transporting propane tanks, you should transport it in a secure upright position.
• Be sure your propane tank has an over-fill prevention device. As of April 2002, all tanks sold or refilled are required to have the device to protect against propane leaks that may cause fire or explosions.
• Never keep a filled tank in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
• You should use extreme caution and always follow the manufacturers' instructions when connecting or disconnecting a propane tank to your grill.

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips

• Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. Since charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes, do not store the grill indoors until the charcoal is completely extinguished.
• Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Both can cause an explosion.
• Never attempt to restart the flame by adding additional lighting fluid to an already lit grill.
• If you use an electrical charcoal lighter, only use a UL Listed lighter.
• Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to handle flare-ups while grilling.
• Be sure to place your grill on a flat, level surface so it won't tip over.
• Wait until the coals have completely cooled (may take a few hours) before disposing of them.
• Remember, coals get HOT--up to 1000 degrees F. Use insulated, flame-retardant mitts when cooking or handling any part of the grill. Also use long-handled barbecue tongs and utensils for safe handling of food and coals.