Outdoor Grilling Safety
Grilling is a very popular way to cook food, especially during the spring and summer months. Grilling at home has become very easy with either a gas or charcoal grill.
Consider the following grilling safety advice:
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from buildings, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grilling area and tray below the grill.
- Create a safety zone of at least three feet around the grill to keep children and pets away.
- Never leave an operating grill unattended.
For Propane Grills:
- Check the gas tank, lines and grill for leaks prior to use. If there is a leak, turn off the tank and the grill and have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
- Make sure your gas grill lid is open prior to lighting it.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 6 minutes before relighting it.
For Charcoal Grills:
- Be certain not to use a charcoal grill in an enclosed area due to possible carbon monoxide buildup.
- Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start charcoal using newspapers as a fuel.
- If you use starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to a fire.
- There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire to start the charcoal. Be sure to use an extension cord to reach the outdoor grill.
- When you are finished grilling with charcoal, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Use long handled grilling tools and hand mitts to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
ROUGHLY 50% of all GRILLING INJURIES are THERMAL BURNS!!