The nice weather has finally made it’s debut and hopefully here to stay for awhile.
Grilling Safety Tips (Mass.gov/dfs – Fire Factors)
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Grilling Safety
Many people enjoy barbecuing in the summer months. But when grills are not used safely, things can
go horribly wrong. Between 2011 and 2015 Massachusetts fire departments responded to 431 fires
involving grills, hibachi, sand barbecues. These fires caused 20 civilian injuries, three firefighter
injuries and $3.5 million in property damage. For safe grilling, always follow your owner’s manual
and practice the safety tips provided here.
Safety First
• Always grill outdoors.
• Grills cannot be used on a porch , balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the
exterior of the building). ·
• Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or .patios if there is an outdoor
stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
• Grills must be 10-feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it
can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
• Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
• Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
• Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children .
• Keep children and pets three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or
propane cylinders. ·
Gas Grill Safety
Gas grills are safe and convenient when they are assembled and used properly. Gas grills are
fueled by liquid propane which is pressurized and requires special handling and storage. Read and
follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Safe Cooking
• Make sure that the lid of a _gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside
and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
• If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911from a
safe location. Do not move the grill.
• Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when done cooking.
• Never leave a burning grill unattended.
Handling Propane
• Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows
and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
• Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
• Propane storage: store cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area; do not leave cylinders in a
vehicle; cylinders should not be used, stored , or transported where they can be exposed to high
temperatures.
Source:·National Propane Gas Association/Propane Education & Research Council (2003)
Gas Grill Care and Maintenance
Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for the care and maintenance of your gas grill.
• Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
• Leaks can be detected by dabbing the connections with a solution of soapy water and turning on
the gas momentarily . If bubbles occur, there is a leak that must be fixed before the grill is
used. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
• Check the tubes to the burners for blockages resulting from insect nests or from grease. Use a
pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockages.
• Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
• Take tanks and grills that need repair to a propane dealer or a qualified appliance repair
person.
• Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.
Charcoal Grills
Propane is the most common grilling fuel, but many people use charcoal grills. Here are some
charcoal grill safety tips:
• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a
grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire
and result in serious burn injuries.
• Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.
Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Never use charcoal grills indoors.
• For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48
hours before disposal.
• If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water
before putting them in a metal container.