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Grill Fire Safety
From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly
flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires
and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first
use a grill that 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, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:
Preparing the Grill
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the
grill.
- 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 and don't attempt to light
the grill until the leak is fixed.
- 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
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 hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to
protect them.
- Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak
gas.
- Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a
leaking grill.
- Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance
yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
Using the Grill
- 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 a surface that can catch fire.
- Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and
until after use until grill is cooled.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.
- Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance
from grill while cooking.
- Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking
- Always shut off valve to propane tanks when not in use.
If Your Grill Catches on Fire
- If the fire is in the grill portion seems "out of control" simply
turn off the burners.
- If the fire involves one of the hoses, and you can safely reach
the propane tank valve, shut the tank valve off.
- If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area
and call the fire department (911)
- If there is any type of fire that threatens either personal
safety or endangers property, call the fire department (911)
Storing/Transporting LP Gas
Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always
keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the
grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the
grill.
To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should
transport the container 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, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
Consumers should use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's
instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.
Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995, are required to have three additional
safety features to eliminate leak hazards: a device to limit the flow of gas in
the event of hose rupture; a mechanism to shut-off the grill; and a feature to
prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not
leak proof. Consumers should consider purchasing grills that have these safety
features.
Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a
colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed
environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of
CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.
- Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.
Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
- Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely
extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
- Never apply charcoal lighter fluid after charcoal has been lit.
The fire may return into the fluid container and explode.
- Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and
until after use when grill is cooled.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.
- Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance
from grill while cooking.
- Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking
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