With Memorial Day cookouts approaching, the Division of
the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services, would like to share a few tips
that will make using your propane barbecue grill a fire-safe and enjoyable
experience.
More than 200,000 propane fueled barbecue grills are
purchased by Americans every year and, on most nice, summer days, some four
million gas barbecues are in use in the United States. Because they are easy to
use, homeowners sometimes take these appliances for granted. Many times gas
grills are not inspected, maintained, used and/or stored in a safe and
appropriate fashion.
Propane fueled barbecues are quick to light, easy to
control, fast and practical. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes,
and with various accessories. However, they all have two things in common -
they must be used in a safe manner and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
When assembling a new unit, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully. When in doubt, take it back to the store or
dealer, or call a qualified propane service technician.
On all barbecues, make certain the burner ports are free
of rust or dirt, and that the burner gas supply throat (the tube connected to
the burner) is free of dust, dirt or cobwebs. Leak test all the fittings that
run from the propane tank to the barbecue. To do this, prepare a solution of
dishwashing detergent and water (one cup of water with a tablespoon of
detergent). With the barbecue connected to the propane cylinder (make sure the
barbecue valve is turned off), turn on the propane tank cylinder valve. Spray
the soapy solution generously over all hose connections and fittings, and all
over the hose. If bubbles appear and become larger or more numerous - you have
a leak.
Never check for leaks with an open flame. If you discover
a leak, turn off the propane cylinder valve and replace the hose and fitting or
have them checked and repaired by a qualified service technician. Also, on may
gas grills, the nozzle type fitting on the hose which is threaded into the
propane cylinder, has a rubber "O" ring on the end. If you have this
type of barbecue, check that ring every time you connect the hose fitting to a
propane cylinder, and replace the "O" ring if it appears cracked,
torn or is losing its shape.
Checking and Maintaining Your Barbeque
Lighting and Storing Your Barbeque
When lighting a gas barbecue without a built-in
'igniter,' have the match or lighter already burning and the lid of the grill
open before you turn on the barbecue gas control valve. Also, never move the
barbecue after it has been lit. When you are finished cooking, turn off both
the barbecue gas control valve(s) and the propane cylinder valve. Always use
gas grills outside - never in a house or garage and do not use a gas grill on a
combustible surface such as a wood deck.
Store, transport and use propane cylinders only in the
upright, vertical position. When transporting a cylinder in a vehicle, secure
it in an upright position, making certain it will not tip over, and leave your
trunk or vehicle windows open. Whenever a propane cylinder is not attached to
an appliance, the cylinder valve must be closed and plugged with a POL (Put On
Left/Counterclockwise) plastic plug. Check the tank collar for the date of
manufacture or the latest inspection. All propane tanks must be inspected and
re-certified every 10 years.
Treat empty propane tanks with the same respect as full
ones. Always avoid dropping and/or rough handling of a propane tank and keep it
away from sparks or open flames